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Fracking has Oklahoma cracking

If you believe there would be no consequences to pumping hydraulic fluid into underground sand deposits to flush out oil deposits, you would be simply ignorant or uncaring about the consequences. People in the petroleum business would do most anything to keep on pumping until there is not a drop remaining. That is why we can’t get unglued from fossil fuels. The industry and lobbyists keep us hooked.

Earthquake damage possibly from fracking
Photo by Martin Hunter/Getty Images

When news comes that Oklahoma is suddenly having earthquakes, coincident with fracking, that should not be surprising. It happened in Virginia a few years ago. Fracking most likely triggered an earthquake in the nation’s capital that was so strong that they are still making repairs.

The long term damage is what fracking chemicals and sludge is doing to the groundwater supply. People can’t seem to get it through their heads that we are spoiling water and the air that humanity needs to live. We are at a tipping point climatewise. The damage is monumental and not reversible at a sufficient rate to prevent global calamities.

What is the state that is northeast of Oklahoma? That would be Missouri and home to New Madrid. New Madrid is the location of a large and unstable fault. Keep messing around underground and see how everything connects. One thing leads to another.

So far, New Madrid quakes only effect these states: Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Arkansas, Kentucky, Tennessee and Mississippi. Maybe add another.

Science Magazine reports the fracking and Oklahoma earthquake connection.

“A substantial number of earthquakes in one region of Oklahoma over the past several years can be linked to the process of hydraulic fracturing, i.e., fracking, according to a new study from Science magazine.”

Scientists are comparing data and are converging in agreement. Fracking and mining operations are increasing the likelihood of earthquakes in America’s heartland. It is way past time to change America’s energy paradigm and advance to renewables ASAP.

“In May, National Geographic reported on a conference at which a group of scientists and seismology researchers said the danger could be greatest across in America’s Southwest and Midwest regions because earthquake fault lines in those areas of the country have not been as extensively mapped as in areas that are prone to naturally-occurring quakes.”

“It's possible that hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, could have played a role in causing temblors, but there's no way to be sure until the USGS files its findings, Myers said. It does that once a month.

Fracking is controversial and has split public opinion. CNN explored the process in-depth in an August 2013 special.

In short, fracking works like this: A well is typically drilled between 5,000 to 20,000 feet into the earth's crust, then turns 90 degrees and continues horizontally for several thousand feet to where shale containing natural gas is believed to be.

A mix of water, sand and chemicals is pumped at high pressure into the well to create long, narrow cracks or openings in the earth through which gas can escape.
The sand particles keep the fissures open, allowing for natural gas to escape from the shale and flow into the well.

The gas, along with the waste water, is drawn back up the well to the surface, where it is processed, refined and shipped.”