Post by nonjuror2003 on Nov 2, 2011 21:16:32 GMT
The controversial gas extraction technique known as fracking has been named as the most likely cause of two earthquakes in Lancashire earlier this year.
A report commissioned by energy firm Cuadrilla found that the process, which involves hydraulic fracturing of shale rock using high pressure liquid, was a significant factor behind the tremors on the Fylde coast.
One tremor which measured 2.3 on the Richter scale hit the area on April 1st and was followed by a second of magnitude 1.4 on May 27th.
Cuadrilla has used fracking at its Preese Hall-1 well and employed independent experts to asses the impact of the process.
The specialists concluded that it was highly probable that the work at Preese Hall-1 triggered the recorded seismic events.
They continued: ''This was due to an unusual combination of factors including the specific geology of the well site, coupled with the pressure exerted by water injection. This combination of geological factors was rare and would be unlikely to occur together again at future well sites.
"If these factors were to combine again in the future, local geology limits seismic events to around magnitude 3 on the Richter scale as a worst-case scenario.''
02 November 2011, 16:16
It has become clear over the last years that anything that puts money in to the pockets of various Commercial Magnates is totally acceptable to our Government no matter what political persuasion they may be Labour ,Liberal or conservative.We have seen the Banks twice in about five years bring about financial chaos and suffer no more than a financial slapped wrist!
Now drilling companies are using techniques off the Lancashire Coast to loosen Natural Gas Deposits. They are using techniques that are dangerous and that have already caused minor earthquakes in Col, USA . One gets the impression that our politicians would allow their family members to be sold to the highest bidder, but only for profit.