Question

In the process of fracking, how is gas and oil extracted? A. Layers of earth are stripped away from the surface, exposing the fossil fuels B. Mining tunnels are created and the fossil fuels are extracted by teams working below ground C. Ocean sediments are mined and the fossil fuels are chemically extracted D. High-pressure fluids are injected underground to force out the fossil fuels E. Offshore drilling pads tap into pre-existing cracks in the Earth's crust

Short answer

D. High-pressure fluids are injected underground to force out the fossil fuels.

Step-by-step solution

- Understand the Question

The question asks about the process used in 'fracking' to extract gas and oil. Fracking, or hydraulic fracturing, is a method to obtain fossil fuels. It is crucial to identify what fracking specifically involves.

- Evaluate Each Option

Carefully read through each option to determine its accuracy based on your understanding of fracking: A. Layers of earth are stripped away from the surface, exposing the fossil fuels. B. Mining tunnels are created and the fossil fuels are extracted by teams working below ground.C. Ocean sediments are mined and the fossil fuels are chemically extracted.D. High-pressure fluids are injected underground to force out the fossil fuels.E. Offshore drilling pads tap into pre-existing cracks in the Earth's crust.

- Identify the Characteristics of Fracking

Fracking involves injecting high-pressure fluid mixtures into subterranean layers of rock to create fissures and extract oil or natural gas. This process does not align with options A, B, C, and E, which involve different methods of extraction.

- Choose the Correct Answer

Based on the characteristics of fracking, the correct answer is: D. High-pressure fluids are injected underground to force out the fossil fuels.

Key concepts

hydraulic fracturing

Hydraulic fracturing, commonly known as fracking, is a method used to extract underground oil and natural gas. This technique is especially useful in areas where traditional drilling methods are not effective. Fracking involves drilling a well, then injecting a mixture of water, sand, and chemicals at high pressure into subterranean rock. The high-pressure fluid cracks the rock, creating fissures. These fissures allow oil and natural gas to flow more freely, making extraction possible. Fracking has greatly increased the availability of natural gas but has also raised environmental concerns.

• Increases accessibility to hard-to-reach fossil fuels
• Relying on a mixture of water, chemicals, and sand
• Can lead to environmental issues such as water contamination

fossil fuel extraction

Fossil fuel extraction refers to the process of removing oil, natural gas, and coal from the earth. These fuels are formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals and take millions of years to create. They are a primary energy source for modern society. There are various methods for extracting fossil fuels, such as:

• Surface mining: Removing layers of earth to access coal
• Underground mining: Extracting coal through tunnels
• Offshore drilling: Tapping into oil and gas reserves under the ocean
• Hydraulic fracturing: Using high-pressure fluids to create fissures in rock

Each method has its advantages and disadvantages. While fossil fuel extraction has greatly contributed to energy supply, it also poses significant environmental impacts, such as habitat destruction, pollution, and contributing to climate change.

high-pressure fluid injection

High-pressure fluid injection is a core component of the hydraulic fracturing process. This involves injecting large volumes of fluid at very high pressure deep into underground rock formations. The fluid is typically composed of water (about 90%), sand (about 9.5%), and a variety of chemical additives (about 0.5%) to improve the efficiency of the fracturing process.

• The high pressure causes the rock to crack and form new pathways
• The sand keeps the fissures open, allowing oil and gas to flow out
• Chemicals are added to enhance the breaking of rock and the flow of hydrocarbons

While effective, high-pressure fluid injection can lead to issues such as potential groundwater contamination and induced seismic activity (man-made earthquakes). Proper management and regulation are essential to mitigate these risks.

subterranean rock fissures

Subterranean rock fissures are cracks or fractures in underground rock layers that are essential for the fracking process. When high-pressure fluids are injected into the rock, these fissures are created or expanded.

• These fissures are crucial as they allow trapped fossil fuels to escape
• Without creating these pathways, oil and natural gas would remain locked within the rock
• The sand injected along with the fluid keeps these cracks open, ensuring a steady flow of resources to the surface

The creation of subterranean fissures is highly controlled and monitored to maximize efficiency while minimizing the environmental impact. This intricate process has made previously inaccessible fossil fuel reserves viable, greatly impacting energy production.