A new pictorial spread by National Geographic is lending some scientific insight into the process of drilling for shale gas in the US.

Highlighting some of the key differences between oil production, and shale gas production, the article provides pictures and descriptions of some of the highly specialized equipment needed to extract shale gas.

“Just above the target, the driller begins to “land the curve,” and continues to drill horizontally into the shale—typically a distance of 3,500 feet (1,070 meters) or more,” the magazine writes below a photo of dozens of green pipes. “By reaching more surface area, the producers are able to capture more fuel. Using the measure “Mcf,” which translates to “thousand cubic feet,” energy companies say horizontal wells in the Marcellus shale yield from 1 million Mcf to as high as 10 million Mcf or 15 million Mcf per day, compared to just 100 Mcf to 500 Mcf of natural gas per day for conventional Pennsylvania wells.”

The pictorial also talks about the recent shale boom in the US, the role of both independent and major companies in the exploration and extraction of shale, and the potential lucrative benefits of this new energy market.

More pictures: National Geographic

Source: Natural Gas For America