Why Drill the Marcellus Shale?
Fossil fuel prices have increased substantially within the past decade, making unconventional methods of fuel production far more economically viable on a large scale. These methods are far more expensive than conventional drilling, but are becoming increasingly necessary as supplies dwindle and demand soars. Hydraulic Fracturing is a method of unconventional natural gas development that produces gas from shale formations. Such shale formations are located throughout the United States: there are formations in Texas, New York, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and many other states throughout the country.1 Shale formations are a type of sedimentary rock, which is a type of rock that is formed as organic and mineral matter settles within water basins. Fossil fuels, including oil and natural gas, are formed by decaying organic material in the subsurface. Depending on the composition of the sediment that forms the rock, shale formations can be very good sources of fossil fuels. The Marcellus Sh
