The Science Beneath the Surface

The Marcellus Shale — a vast rock formation that holds a huge reservoir of natural gas — is at the center of one of the most controversial natural resources issues of our time. This is primarily because of the unconventional method used to extract gas from the shale — slickwater horizontal high-volume hydraulic fracturing, or hydrofracking. Concerns about how widespread use of the practice will affect the natural environment — most especially freshwaters at the local level and climate at the global level — have thrust geology into the public view in a way seldom otherwise experienced. This book reviews the major science and technology issues around this complex topic, offering impartial, evidence-based, thought-provoking information to help citizens decide what to do.