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Science Cafe OSU, Potential Impacts of Oil and Gas Exploration: Drilling Basics

Serving campus and communities with information and resources

May 29, 2014

Dr. Todd Halihan, Professor of Hydrogeophysics in Geology

Dr. Chad Penn, Associate Professor in Soil & Environmental Chemistry for Plant & Soil Sciences

Overview

Basic facts about the drilling process & oil & gas exploration, including hydraulic fracturing, a technique used to release oil & gas from geologic formations. Oil & gas resources serve consumers & industry. Drilling produces waste that must be safely disposed.

Suggested Resources

OSU Cooperative Extension Service Fact Sheets

“An introduction to the land application of drilling mud in Oklahoma" Authors: Dr. Chad Penn & Dr. Hailin Zhang

“Application of water-base drilling mud to winter wheat: Impact of application timing on yield and soil properties” Author: Dr. Chad Penn

Frequent Questions

1. What happens to sodium salt leached out of spreading? Salty creeks?

2. Do you have more information about the water used for drilling?

3. How many disposal wells are there and where are they?

4. Will casings be destroyed during earthquakes?

5. Does any of the water used come from the Cimarron River?