Where in the United States is hydraulic fracturing being used for oil and gas extraction?
Hydraulic fracturing is used in many established oil and gas producing regions of the country as well as some areas new to the petroleum industry. Maps of major shale gas, tight gas, and tight oil basins are available from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, although not all of the shale basins shown currently have production.
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Why have some estimates of undiscovered technically recoverable oil or gas changed so much from previous estimates?
Who is responsible for monitoring the issues associated with hydraulic fracturing and protecting our environment?
When did hydraulic fracturing become such a popular approach to oil and gas production?
What is hydraulic fracturing?
What is in the fluid injected into the ground during hydraulic fracturing?
What is the USGS role related to hydraulic fracturing?
How much water does the typical hydraulically fractured well require?
What environmental issues are associated with hydraulic fracturing?
How is hydraulic fracturing related to earthquakes and tremors?
How does hydraulic fracturing affect the surface or landscape of an area?
How does hydraulic fracturing differ from traditional petroleum development methods?
Can hydraulic fracturing impact the quality of groundwater or surface water?
Historical Hydraulic Fracturing Trends and Data Unveiled in New USGS Publications
Two new U.S. Geological Survey publications that highlight historical hydraulic fracturing trends and data from 1947 to 2010 are now available.
USGS Releases Unconventional Gas Estimates for Five East Coast Basins
Using a geology-based assessment method, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated a mean undiscovered natural gas resource of 3.9 trillion cubic feet and a mean undiscovered natural gas liquids resource of 135 million barrels in continuous accumulations within five East Coast Mesozoic basins, according to a new USGS report.
Media Advisory: USGS to Host Congressional Briefing Unconventional Oil and Gas - Fueling the Future
The Nation relies on oil and gas to power its economy, and unconventional gas is the fastest-growing energy resource in the United States. The U.S. Geological Survey is the authoritative, unbiased source for assessments of the world's oil and gas endowment. Come learn how these exciting new energy resources may contribute to the energy mix.
Hydraulic Fracturing Operation Underway
A hydraulic fracturing operation is underway at this drilling pad in the Marcellus Shale gas play of southwestern Pennsylvania.
Hydraulic Fracturing Drill Site
A typical drill pad in the Marcellus Shale gas play of southwestern Pennsylvania.
Map: Hydraulically fractured wells
This map shows the percentage of oil and gas wells that use horizontal drilling in watersheds across the United States.
Percentage of Hydraulic Fracturing Use
This map shows the average water use in hydraulic fracturing per oil and gas well in watersheds across the United States.
Map: Hydraulically fractured wells
This map shows the percentage of oil and gas wells that use horizontal drilling in watersheds across the United States.