Articles tagged with Shale Gas
Researchers used airborne laboratory to measure methane gas above shale gas wells during drilling phase, finding high-emitting wells contributing large portion of total emissions. This discovery could lead to development new methods inventory methane emissions and better define environmental impacts of shale gas development.
Researchers at UT Austin developed a simple scaling theory to predict gas production in Barnett Shale wells. They found that most horizontal wells underperform their theoretical limits, and improving hydrofracture connections could increase gas extraction.
Scientists examine fracking's impact on water, air, and human health through research that is still being played catch-up. The medical geology field has emerged to address the shale gas boom's concerns about environmental issues.
A Duke University-led study reveals that homeowners within one kilometer of shale gas wells are more likely to have contaminated drinking water with methane, ethane, and propane. The research analyzed 141 drinking water samples from private wells in northeastern Pennsylvania's Marcellus shale basin.
A recent study published in Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences explores the threat posed by shale gas fracking to biodiversity. The research reveals potential impacts on ecosystems, including salinization of soils, surface waters, and fragmentation of forests.
The EROI study reveals a range of 64:1 to 112:1, similar to coal, suggesting shale gas is a viable energy source. However, environmental concerns and varying estimates of available gas remain.
A recent study by Duke University and the USGS found no evidence of groundwater contamination from shale gas production in Arkansas. The researchers sampled 127 shallow drinking water wells and analyzed the samples for major and trace elements, hydrocarbons, and isotopic tracers.
Hydraulically fractured natural gas wells in the Marcellus shale region produce about 35% as much wastewater per unit of gas recovered as conventional wells. The total amount of wastewater has increased by 570% since 2004, threatening to overwhelm the region's wastewater-disposal infrastructure capacity.
Researchers highlight the need for fundamental research in geothermal and shale gas development to overcome challenges and maximize energy recovery. Enhanced geothermal systems and shale gas extraction face roadblocks, including induced seismicity and environmental impact.
Geoscientists highlight the importance of fundamental research in unlocking the full potential of emerging energy sources, including geothermal and shale gas. The development of these resources is hindered by geological and environmental challenges that must be addressed through basic scientific inquiry.
A Duke University study suggests naturally occurring pathways allowed salts and gases from the Marcellus shale formation to migrate into shallow drinking water aquifers. The study found elevated levels of salinity with similar geochemistry to deep Marcellus brine in drinking water samples.
Researchers from Durham University found that the probability of fractures extending beyond 0.6 kilometers is exceptionally low, with only one per cent risk beyond 350 meters. This analysis has implications for setting minimum distance requirements for fracking operations to prevent contamination of groundwater.
A panel of experts discussed the use of hydraulic fracturing in shale gas development, addressing concerns over its impact on drinking water and air quality. The study found no direct link between hydraulic fracturing and groundwater contamination, but acknowledged surface issues that can be managed.
A new study by the Energy Institute at UT Austin finds no direct connection between hydraulic fracturing and groundwater contamination. The research identifies common oil and gas drilling issues, such as casing failures, as contributing factors to contamination.
A Stanford University geophysicist recommends stronger regulations for hydraulic fracturing to address concerns over water disposal and toxic additives. The expert argues that better regulation could lead to cheap, clean energy alternatives to coal.
A commentary in Nature suggests that the economic pain of a flattening oil supply will trump environmental concerns, with production hitting a wall around 2005. Stagnant oil supplies and volatile prices take a toll on the world economy, with oil production decline expected to continue.
The OU research team has made significant discoveries on gas and liquids transport in shale gas reservoirs, developing a quad porosity model that accurately predicts phase behavior and permeability. The model's predictions show improved well performance and prolific production of rich gas-condensate fluids.
A joint program between Shell and the University of Texas at Austin aims to address challenges in the unconventional oil and gas industry through research and collaboration, focusing on developing safe and responsible methods for harnessing shale gas resources.
The US shale gas industry is projected to significantly impact global energy markets by 2040. The study finds that Russia's natural gas market share in Western Europe will decline from 27% to 13%, while the US will become a major supplier of liquefied natural gas (LNG).
A study by Duke University researchers has found high levels of leaked methane in well water collected near shale-gas drilling and hydrofracking sites. The contamination was observed primarily in Bradford and Susquehanna counties in Pennsylvania.
A new study by Cornell University researchers finds that shale gas contributes significantly to global warming due to high methane emissions. The study's findings challenge the logic of using shale gas as a bridging fuel to reduce global warming.
The new simulator will take into account the unique physics of fluid flow and storage in shale gas reservoirs. OU researchers aim to address concerns about water production and its impact on shallow aquifers.
A new study by the Baker Institute at Rice University suggests that US and Canadian shale gas production, along with alternative natural gas supplies from Iraq and other sources, can counterbalance Russia's energy influence over Europe. The research recommends enhanced energy security measures, including natural gas storage capacity an...
A new study finds that oil and gas production in the Barnett Shale area can contribute significantly to smog formation in Dallas-Fort Worth, with emissions comparable to those from all cars and trucks. The study also highlights the potential for cost-effective control strategies to reduce emissions.
A Penn State and SUNY Fredonia team has estimated that the Marcellus shale contains 168 trillion cubic feet of natural gas in place, with optimistically suggested amounts as high as 516 trillion cubic feet. Horizontal drilling techniques could recover an additional 50 trillion cubic feet, keeping US production up.
The alliance aims to provide advanced research and development services, field desorption measurements, and laboratory isotherm measurements for Canadian energy producers. ARC and TerraTek will collaborate on unconventional gas recovery and environmental expertise.
Researchers found biogenic methane deposits in Michigan's Antrim Shale, which can be economically viable and environmentally friendly. The shallow reservoirs are easy to access and produce methane more cleanly than coal or oil.