Scientific Report Chathuri Amarasinghe 11.01.16 Can fracking cause earthquakes? The truth behind fracking Fracking has been around since the 19th Century, however, the demand to extract oil and gas is becoming more commercial. Oil and gas is being exploration has been innovated in every possible space, quite literally; by the process of fracking. Seismic shocks are sent through the ground to fracture the rocks. The injection of highly pressurised fluids allows the natural gases that are contained by the pores can flow via the newly created pathways to reach production wells. The real question is whether there is any truth behind the possibility for the shale gas extraction to induce seismic events at nearby faults? And if so, what can …show more content…
Campaigners say that fracking is simply distracting energy firms and governments from investing in renewable sources of energy, and encouraging the continued reliance on fossil fuels. Shale gas is not solution for the UK; it is distracting the UK from their Green Campaign. Friends of the Earth energy campaigner Tony Bosworth. "We need a 21st century energy revolution based on efficiency and renewable, not more fossil fuels that will add to climate change." Could fracking take place near you? There is particular interest for shale gas in northern England, around Lancashire, Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire. Although there is currently a hiatus in fracking, there have been over 100 licences that have been granted by the UK government. Although firms have got licences, they still require planning permission from their local council. But before firms can begin fracking they must also receive planning permission from the relevant local council. Recently fracking was banned in National Parks in January 2015, however later in December 2015 the parliament decided that horizontal drilling could take place, 1200m below the