Green Computing

172 Green Computing

pumped into the ground, where groundwater can be contaminated. Leaks

of natural gas (methane) directly into the atmosphere are common and

offset much of the beneficial effect of burning natural gas instead of coal

or oil.

Figure 9.3 shows a simplified diagram of how fracking works; it’s worth

studying, as both critics and supporters of fracking will cite diagrams like this

one to support their arguments. Critics bemoan the injection of chemicals

that could affect (and have affected) drinking water and cause earthquakes.

Supporters point out that fracking takes place well below most aquifers and

assert that it’s quite safe, ...