Shale gas - Revision history

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	[[Category:Done ~~2018~~-06-01]]		[[Category:Done 2026-08-01]]
	[[File:640px-Marcellus_Shale_Gas_Drilling_Tower_2.jpg\|400px\|framed\|right\|Figure 1. Shale gas drilling tower that drills into the Marcellus Shale Formation.<ref>Wikimedia Commons. (May 25, 2015). ''Marcellus Shale Gas Drilling Tower'' [Online]. Available: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Marcellus_Shale_Gas_Drilling_Tower_2.jpg#/media/File:Marcellus_Shale_Gas_Drilling_Tower_2.jpg</ref>]]		[[File:640px-Marcellus_Shale_Gas_Drilling_Tower_2.jpg\|400px\|framed\|right\|Figure 1. Shale gas drilling tower that drills into the Marcellus Shale Formation.<ref>Wikimedia Commons. (May 25, 2015). ''Marcellus Shale Gas Drilling Tower'' [Online]. Available: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Marcellus_Shale_Gas_Drilling_Tower_2.jpg#/media/File:Marcellus_Shale_Gas_Drilling_Tower_2.jpg</ref>]]
	<onlyinclude>'''Shale gas''' is a type of [[natural gas]] that is trapped within shale ~~formations—arrangements of fine~~-grained [[sedimentary rock]] that are ~~known as "[[~~natural gas ~~play]]s" if~~ they contain significant ~~amounts~~ of natural gas.</onlyinclude><ref name="RE1">Geology.com. (May 25, 2015). ''What is Shale Gas?'' [Online]. Available: http://geology.com/energy/shale-gas/</ref> This ~~type of~~ natural gas is ~~"contained in"~~ shale formations and ~~absorbed into~~ organic matter.<ref name="RE2">~~Alberta Energy~~. (~~May 25, 2015~~). ''Shale ~~Gas~~'' [Online]. Available: ~~http~~://~~www.energy~~.~~alberta~~.ca/~~NaturalGas~~/~~944.asp~~</ref> Shale is a common sedimentary rock composed of clay and ~~fragments of other minerals~~. Shale can be the source, [[oil and gas reservoir\|reservoir]] rock, or ~~the~~ seal for natural gas.		<onlyinclude>'''Shale gas''' is a type of [[natural gas]] that is trapped within shale formations—fine-grained [[sedimentary rock]] that are considered possible sources for raw natural gas when they contain significant quantities of natural gas.</onlyinclude><ref name="RE1">Geology.com. (May 25, 2015). ''What is Shale Gas?'' [Online]. Available: http://geology.com/energy/shale-gas/</ref> This natural gas is stored within shale formations, both in the pore spaces of the rock and adsorbed onto organic matter.<ref name="RE2">Natural Resources Canada. (2025). ''Shale and Tight Resources in Canada'' [Online]. Available: https://natural-resources.canada.ca/energy-sources/fossil-fuels/shale-tight-resources-canada</ref> Shale is a common sedimentary rock composed primarily of clay-sized mineral particles and fine-grained sediments. Shale can serve as the source rock, [[oil and gas reservoir\|reservoir]] rock, or seal for natural gas.

	In Canada, shale gas resources are found in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Most ~~of the~~ current drilling occurs in British Columbia.<ref name="~~NRCAN~~">Natural Resources Canada. (~~May 25, 2015~~). ''~~Shale~~ Gas'' [Online]. Available: https://~~www.nrcan~~.gc.ca/energy/natural-gas~~/5687~~</ref>		In Canada, shale gas resources are found in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Most current development and drilling in Canada occurs in British Columbia.<ref name="NRCan">Natural Resources Canada. (2025). ''Natural Gas'' [Online]. Available: https://natural-resources.canada.ca/energy-sources/fossil-fuels/natural-gas</ref>

	==Exploration==		==Exploration==
	~~Finding~~ shale gas uses the same basic methods ~~for exploring for traditional petroleum deposits~~ combined with specialized techniques ~~for finding~~ shale ~~gas~~. 2D and 3D seismic ~~profiles (generated by monitoring~~ acoustic [[wave]]s ~~that have reflected off of rocks)~~ are used ~~for determining~~ the depth and ~~properties~~ of shale deposits and ~~drilling is~~ used to ~~observe~~ the ~~rock's~~ physical and chemical ~~characteristics while determining~~ the quality and quantity of the ~~shale~~ gas.<ref name="~~NRCAN~~"/>		Exploring for shale gas uses the same basic methods as conventional oil and natural gas exploration, combined with specialized techniques to evaluate shale formations. Two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) seismic surveys, which use reflected acoustic [[wave]]s to image subsurface rock formations, are used to determine the depth and characteristics of shale deposits. Exploratory drilling and rock sampling are then used to evaluate the physical and chemical properties of the shale and to estimate the quality and quantity of the natural gas resource.<ref name="NRCan" />

	==Drilling==		==Drilling==
	Generally speaking shale formations have low [[permeability]], ~~thus~~ [[fluid]]s do not flow easily through the ~~formation~~ and ~~generally require extra effort~~ to access gas ~~or oil trapped within them~~. Because of this, ~~special~~ techniques such as fracturing ~~must be~~ used to produce shale gas. Since ~~accessing~~ shale gas ~~is difficult and~~ requires ~~special~~ techniques, ~~shale gas~~ is ~~considered~~ an [[unconventional resource]].<ref name="RE2"/>		Generally speaking, shale formations have low [[permeability]], meaning [[fluid]]s do not flow easily through the rock and additional techniques are required to access the trapped oil or natural gas. Because of this, techniques such as hydraulic fracturing are commonly used to produce shale gas. Since shale gas requires specialized extraction techniques beyond those used for conventional gas reservoirs, it is classified as an [[unconventional resource\|unconventional natural gas resource]].<ref name="RE2"/>

	~~There are two~~ major drilling techniques ~~that~~ are used to access shale gas. The first ~~of these~~ is [[horizontal drilling]], which ~~is where~~ a well is drilled ~~into~~ the rock formation ~~that starts going straight down, and then bends so that there is~~ a horizontal ~~part to the~~ borehole ~~as well~~.<ref name="RE2"/> ~~When~~ the ~~rock~~ formation is ~~hit~~, the drill bit is ~~moved to drill~~ horizontally ~~which exposes~~ the well to more of the ~~shale that is producing the gas~~.<ref name="RE1"/> The horizontal section of the ~~well bore~~ is ~~usually from~~ 1 to 3 kilometres long.<ref name="~~NRCAN~~"/>		Two major drilling techniques are commonly used to access shale gas. The first is [[horizontal drilling]], in which a well is drilled vertically until it reaches the target rock formation before gradually curving into a horizontal borehole.<ref name="RE2"/> Once the target shale formation is reached, the drill bit is directed horizontally, increasing the length of the well in the gas-bearing shale and exposing more of the formation to production.<ref name="RE1"/> The horizontal section of the wellbore is typically 1 to 3 kilometres long.<ref name="NRCan" />

	The second method is known as [[hydraulic fracturing\|'''hydraulic ~~fracking~~''']] or '''hydrofracking''' ~~(or sometimes just~~ '''fracking'''). In this technique water, ~~chemicals~~, and ~~sand~~ are pumped into the shale gas well. ~~This opens~~ fractures in the rock ~~and allows~~ natural gas from the shale ~~to flow~~ into the well. Without these techniques, natural gas ~~does not flow~~ to the well ~~quickly and the~~ wells ~~are not economical~~.<ref name="RE1"/>		The second method is known as [[hydraulic fracturing\|'''hydraulic fracturing''']], also called '''hydrofracking''' simply '''fracking'''. In this technique, water, sand, and chemical additives are pumped into the shale gas well at high pressure. The high-pressure fluid creates or enlarges fractures in the rock, allowing natural gas to flow from the shale formation into the well. Without these techniques, natural gas flows too slowly to the well for most shale gas wells to be economically viable.<ref name="RE1"/>

	==Environmental Concerns==		==Environmental Concerns==
	A life cycle analysis of shale gas in Canada estimated that shale gas produces ~~on average~~ 4% higher [[greenhouse gas]] [[emission]]s than conventional Canadian gas. However, these emissions are still lower than those from [[coal]] or [[oil]] but ~~much~~ higher than those from ~~other~~ [[renewable energy~~\|renewable resources~~]].<ref name="~~NRCAN~~"/>		A life cycle analysis of shale gas in Canada estimated that, on average, shale gas produces approximately 4% higher [[greenhouse gas]] [[emission]]s than conventional Canadian natural gas. However, these emissions are still lower than those from [[coal]] and [[oil]] but higher than those from most [[renewable energy]] sources.<ref name="NRCan" />

	Although natural gas ~~burns more cleanly~~ than oil ~~or coal~~, ~~there are still~~ environmental ~~issues~~ associated with ~~the drilling~~ and production ~~of shale gas~~. ~~The first issue~~ is that ~~the~~ drilling and fracturing ~~of these~~ wells ~~requires a~~ large ~~amount~~ of water. In ~~some~~ areas, ~~significant~~ water ~~use~~ for shale gas could ~~affect~~ the ~~availability of~~ water for other ~~uses~~ or affect aquatic ~~habitats~~. In addition, drilling and fracturing ~~produces large amounts of waste water that~~ can ~~contain contaminants~~. This ~~results~~ in ~~the water requiring treatment before disposal or reuse~~. ~~How waste water should be treated~~ and ~~disposed~~ is a complex ~~issue~~. ~~Additionally, hydraulic~~ fracking ~~fluid~~ can ~~be a contaminant~~ if ~~not managed properly as~~ spills or ~~leaks could~~ occur. ~~The chemicals~~ in ~~the fracking fluid can~~ be ~~dangerous~~, and ~~any release of the fluid~~ could ~~result in contamination of~~ groundwater ~~for~~ drinking ~~or habitats for~~ wildlife.<ref name="RE1"/>		Although natural gas generally produces fewer air pollutants and less carbon dioxide during combustion than coal or oil, environmental concerns remain associated with shale gas development and production. One concern is that drilling and hydraulically fracturing shale gas wells can require large volumes of water. In areas with limited water availability, large water withdrawals for shale gas development could reduce the water available for other users or affect aquatic ecosystems. In addition, drilling and hydraulic fracturing can generate wastewater containing chemical additives and naturally occurring substances brought to the surface from the rock formation. This wastewater must be appropriately treated, reused, stored, or disposed of in accordance with applicable regulations. Selecting an appropriate method for treating, reusing, and disposing of wastewater is complex because its composition and available management options vary among locations. Hydraulic fracking fluids can also affect soil, surface water, or groundwater if spills, leaks, or failures in well integrity occur. Some chemical additives used in hydraulic fracturing may be hazardous, and improperly contained releases could contaminate soil, surface water, or groundwater, potentially affecting drinking-water sources and wildlife habitat.<ref name="RE1"/>

	~~Some~~ have also ~~argued that~~ [[methane]] emissions ~~from~~ drilling and hydraulic fracturing ~~are significant~~. Although large amounts of ~~methane~~ are produced, most gas produced is captured and ~~flared or~~ gathered for processing and sale. Once ~~the~~ well is completed ~~this~~ gas is processed ~~the same way~~ gas ~~from conventional wells is, so although there are significant amounts of methane~~ emissions ~~produced~~, they are ~~no different than emissions~~ from ~~other~~ natural gas ~~wells~~.<ref name="~~NRCAN~~"/>		Concerns have also been raised about [[methane]] emissions associated with shale gas development, including drilling and hydraulic fracturing. Although large amounts of natural gas are produced, most of the gas produced is captured and either gathered for processing and sale or, in some cases, flared when it cannot be economically captured. Once a well is completed, the natural gas is processed using methods like those used methods like those used for conventional natural gas. Methane emissions can still occur during production and processing, but with appropriate controls they are generally comparable to those from conventional natural gas operations. <ref name="NRCan" />

	==For Further Reading==		==For Further Reading==

Jmdonev: 1 revision imported: Doing upload, largely of old redirects.

2018-06-04T16:52:23Z

1 revision imported: Doing upload, largely of old redirects.

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Jmdonev at 17:12, 1 June 2018

2018-06-01T17:12:39Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:12, 1 June 2018
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	[[Category: Done ~~2015~~-06-11]]		[[Category:Done 2018-06-01]]
	[[File:640px-Marcellus_Shale_Gas_Drilling_Tower_2.jpg\|400px\|framed\|right\|Figure 1. Shale gas drilling tower that drills into the Marcellus Shale Formation.<ref>Wikimedia Commons. (May 25, 2015). ''Marcellus Shale Gas Drilling Tower'' [Online]. Available: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Marcellus_Shale_Gas_Drilling_Tower_2.jpg#/media/File:Marcellus_Shale_Gas_Drilling_Tower_2.jpg</ref>]]		[[File:640px-Marcellus_Shale_Gas_Drilling_Tower_2.jpg\|400px\|framed\|right\|Figure 1. Shale gas drilling tower that drills into the Marcellus Shale Formation.<ref>Wikimedia Commons. (May 25, 2015). ''Marcellus Shale Gas Drilling Tower'' [Online]. Available: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Marcellus_Shale_Gas_Drilling_Tower_2.jpg#/media/File:Marcellus_Shale_Gas_Drilling_Tower_2.jpg</ref>]]
	<onlyinclude>'''Shale gas''' is a type of [[natural gas]] that is trapped within shale ~~formations - arrangements~~ of fine-grained [[sedimentary rock]] that are known as "~~plays~~" if they contain significant amounts of natural gas.</onlyinclude><ref name="RE1">Geology.com. (May 25, 2015). ''What is Shale Gas?'' [Online]. Available: http://geology.com/energy/shale-gas/</ref> This type of natural gas is "contained in" shale formations and absorbed into organic matter.<ref name="RE2">Alberta Energy. (May 25, 2015). ''Shale Gas'' [Online]. Available: http://www.energy.alberta.ca/NaturalGas/944.asp</ref> Shale is a common sedimentary rock composed of clay and fragments of other minerals. Shale can be the source, [[oil and gas reservoir\|reservoir]] rock, or the seal for natural gas.		<onlyinclude>'''Shale gas''' is a type of [[natural gas]] that is trapped within shale formations—arrangements of fine-grained [[sedimentary rock]] that are known as "[[natural gas play]]s" if they contain significant amounts of natural gas.</onlyinclude><ref name="RE1">Geology.com. (May 25, 2015). ''What is Shale Gas?'' [Online]. Available: http://geology.com/energy/shale-gas/</ref> This type of natural gas is "contained in" shale formations and absorbed into organic matter.<ref name="RE2">Alberta Energy. (May 25, 2015). ''Shale Gas'' [Online]. Available: http://www.energy.alberta.ca/NaturalGas/944.asp</ref> Shale is a common sedimentary rock composed of clay and fragments of other minerals. Shale can be the source, [[oil and gas reservoir\|reservoir]] rock, or the seal for natural gas.

	In Canada, shale gas resources are found in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Most of the current drilling occurs in British Columbia.<ref name="NRCAN">Natural Resources Canada. (May 25, 2015). ''Shale Gas'' [Online]. Available: https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/energy/natural-gas/5687</ref>		In Canada, shale gas resources are found in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Most of the current drilling occurs in British Columbia.<ref name="NRCAN">Natural Resources Canada. (May 25, 2015). ''Shale Gas'' [Online]. Available: https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/energy/natural-gas/5687</ref>
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	A life cycle analysis of shale gas in Canada estimated that shale gas produces on average 4% higher [[greenhouse gas]] [[emission]]s than conventional Canadian gas. However, these emissions are still lower than those from [[coal]] or [[oil]] but much higher than those from other [[renewable energy\|renewable resources]].<ref name="NRCAN"/>		A life cycle analysis of shale gas in Canada estimated that shale gas produces on average 4% higher [[greenhouse gas]] [[emission]]s than conventional Canadian gas. However, these emissions are still lower than those from [[coal]] or [[oil]] but much higher than those from other [[renewable energy\|renewable resources]].<ref name="NRCAN"/>

	Although natural gas burns more cleanly than oil or coal, there are still environmental issues associated with the drilling and production of shale gas. The first issue is that the drilling and fracturing of these wells requires a large amount of water. In some areas, significant water use for shale gas could affect the availability of water for other uses or affect aquatic habitats. ~~As well~~, drilling and fracturing produces large amounts of waste water that can contain contaminants. This results in the water requiring treatment before disposal or reuse. How waste water should be treated and disposed is a complex issue. Additionally, hydraulic fracking fluid can be a contaminant if not managed properly as spills or leaks could occur. The chemicals in the fracking fluid can be dangerous, and any release of the fluid could result in contamination of groundwater for drinking or habitats for wildlife.<ref name="RE1"/>		Although natural gas burns more cleanly than oil or coal, there are still environmental issues associated with the drilling and production of shale gas. The first issue is that the drilling and fracturing of these wells requires a large amount of water. In some areas, significant water use for shale gas could affect the availability of water for other uses or affect aquatic habitats. In addition, drilling and fracturing produces large amounts of waste water that can contain contaminants. This results in the water requiring treatment before disposal or reuse. How waste water should be treated and disposed is a complex issue. Additionally, hydraulic fracking fluid can be a contaminant if not managed properly as spills or leaks could occur. The chemicals in the fracking fluid can be dangerous, and any release of the fluid could result in contamination of groundwater for drinking or habitats for wildlife.<ref name="RE1"/>

	Some have also argued that [[methane]] emissions from drilling and hydraulic fracturing are significant. Although large amounts of methane are produced, most gas produced is captured and flared or gathered for processing and sale. Once the well is completed this gas is processed the same way gas from conventional wells is, so although there are significant amounts of methane emissions produced, they are no different than emissions from other natural gas wells.<ref name="NRCAN"/>		Some have also argued that [[methane]] emissions from drilling and hydraulic fracturing are significant. Although large amounts of methane are produced, most gas produced is captured and flared or gathered for processing and sale. Once the well is completed this gas is processed the same way gas from conventional wells is, so although there are significant amounts of methane emissions produced, they are no different than emissions from other natural gas wells.<ref name="NRCAN"/>

			==For Further Reading==
			*[[Fuel]]
			*[[Fossil fuel]]
			*[[Fossil fuel formation]]
			*[[Carbon]]
			*Or explore a [[Special:Random\| random page]]

	==References==		==References==
	{{reflist}}		{{reflist}}
	[[Category:Uploaded]]		[[Category:Uploaded]]

J.williams: 1 revision imported

2015-08-26T21:31:38Z

1 revision imported

← Older revision	Revision as of 21:31, 26 August 2015
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J.williams at 16:59, 12 August 2015

2015-08-12T16:59:00Z

New page

[[Category: Done 2015-06-11]]
[[File:640px-Marcellus_Shale_Gas_Drilling_Tower_2.jpg|400px|framed|right|Figure 1. Shale gas drilling tower that drills into the Marcellus Shale Formation.<ref>Wikimedia Commons. (May 25, 2015). ''Marcellus Shale Gas Drilling Tower'' [Online]. Available: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Marcellus_Shale_Gas_Drilling_Tower_2.jpg#/media/File:Marcellus_Shale_Gas_Drilling_Tower_2.jpg</ref>]]
<onlyinclude>'''Shale gas''' is a type of [[natural gas]] that is trapped within shale formations - arrangements of fine-grained [[sedimentary rock]] that are known as "plays" if they contain significant amounts of natural gas.</onlyinclude><ref name="RE1">Geology.com. (May 25, 2015). ''What is Shale Gas?'' [Online]. Available: http://geology.com/energy/shale-gas/</ref> This type of natural gas is "contained in" shale formations and absorbed into organic matter.<ref name="RE2">Alberta Energy. (May 25, 2015). ''Shale Gas'' [Online]. Available: http://www.energy.alberta.ca/NaturalGas/944.asp</ref> Shale is a common sedimentary rock composed of clay and fragments of other minerals. Shale can be the source, [[oil and gas reservoir|reservoir]] rock, or the seal for natural gas.

In Canada, shale gas resources are found in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Most of the current drilling occurs in British Columbia.<ref name="NRCAN">Natural Resources Canada. (May 25, 2015). ''Shale Gas'' [Online]. Available: https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/energy/natural-gas/5687</ref>

==Exploration==
Finding shale gas uses the same basic methods for exploring for traditional petroleum deposits combined with specialized techniques for finding shale gas. 2D and 3D seismic profiles (generated by monitoring acoustic [[wave]]s that have reflected off of rocks) are used for determining the depth and properties of shale deposits and drilling is used to observe the rock's physical and chemical characteristics while determining the quality and quantity of the shale gas.<ref name="NRCAN"/>

==Drilling==
Generally speaking shale formations have low [[permeability]], thus [[fluid]]s do not flow easily through the formation and generally require extra effort to access gas or oil trapped within them. Because of this, special techniques such as fracturing must be used to produce shale gas. Since accessing shale gas is difficult and requires special techniques, shale gas is considered an [[unconventional resource]].<ref name="RE2"/>

There are two major drilling techniques that are used to access shale gas. The first of these is [[horizontal drilling]], which is where a well is drilled into the rock formation that starts going straight down, and then bends so that there is a horizontal part to the borehole as well.<ref name="RE2"/> When the rock formation is hit, the drill bit is moved to drill horizontally which exposes the well to more of the shale that is producing the gas.<ref name="RE1"/> The horizontal section of the well bore is usually from 1 to 3 kilometres long.<ref name="NRCAN"/>

The second method is known as [[hydraulic fracturing|'''hydraulic fracking''']] or '''hydrofracking''' (or sometimes just '''fracking'''). In this technique water, chemicals, and sand are pumped into the shale gas well. This opens fractures in the rock and allows natural gas from the shale to flow into the well. Without these techniques, natural gas does not flow to the well quickly and the wells are not economical.<ref name="RE1"/>

==Environmental Concerns==
A life cycle analysis of shale gas in Canada estimated that shale gas produces on average 4% higher [[greenhouse gas]] [[emission]]s than conventional Canadian gas. However, these emissions are still lower than those from [[coal]] or [[oil]] but much higher than those from other [[renewable energy|renewable resources]].<ref name="NRCAN"/>

Although natural gas burns more cleanly than oil or coal, there are still environmental issues associated with the drilling and production of shale gas. The first issue is that the drilling and fracturing of these wells requires a large amount of water. In some areas, significant water use for shale gas could affect the availability of water for other uses or affect aquatic habitats. As well, drilling and fracturing produces large amounts of waste water that can contain contaminants. This results in the water requiring treatment before disposal or reuse. How waste water should be treated and disposed is a complex issue. Additionally, hydraulic fracking fluid can be a contaminant if not managed properly as spills or leaks could occur. The chemicals in the fracking fluid can be dangerous, and any release of the fluid could result in contamination of groundwater for drinking or habitats for wildlife.<ref name="RE1"/>

Some have also argued that [[methane]] emissions from drilling and hydraulic fracturing are significant. Although large amounts of methane are produced, most gas produced is captured and flared or gathered for processing and sale. Once the well is completed this gas is processed the same way gas from conventional wells is, so although there are significant amounts of methane emissions produced, they are no different than emissions from other natural gas wells.<ref name="NRCAN"/>

==References==
{{reflist}}
[[Category:Uploaded]]