Study maps fracking methane risk to drinking water
A major study into the potential of fracking to contaminate drinking water with methane has been published.
The British Geological Survey and the Environment Agency have mapped where key aquifers in England and Wales coincide with locations of shale.
The research reveals this occurs under nearly half of the area containing the principal natural stores of water.
The risk of methane being released into drinking water has long been one of the most sensitive questions over fracking.
Sealed wells
The study highlights where the rock layers may be too close to the aquifers for fracking to go ahead.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-28130982
Aquifers and shales
A series of occurrence maps shows the distribution of rock units that form the principal aquifers and some major shale and clay units in England and Wales. In addition, a series of separation maps show the vertical separation between pairs of shales or clays and overlying aquifers.
http://www.bgs.ac.uk/research/groundwater/shaleGas/aquifersAndShales/home.html