%AWoda, Josh [Department of Geosciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802,]%AWoda, Josh%AWen, Tao [Earth and Environmental Systems Institute, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802,]%AWen, Tao%AOakley, David [Department of Geosciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802,]%AOakley, David%AYoxtheimer, David [Marcellus Center for Outreach and Research, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802,]%AYoxtheimer, David%AEngelder, Terry [Department of Geosciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802,]%AEngelder, Terry%ACastro, M. [Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109]%ACastro, M.%ABrantley, Susan [Department of Geosciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802,, Earth and Environmental Systems Institute, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802,]%ABrantley, Susan%BJournal Name: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences; Journal Volume: 115; Journal Issue: 49; Related Information: CHORUS Timestamp: 2022-06-07 14:24:20 %D2018%IProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences %JJournal Name: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences; Journal Volume: 115; Journal Issue: 49; Related Information: CHORUS Timestamp: 2022-06-07 14:24:20 %K %MOSTI ID: 10079874 %PMedium: X %TDetecting and explaining why aquifers occasionally become degraded near hydraulically fractured shale gas wells %XSignificance

Development of shale gas has changed the economics of global energy. However, methane sometimes escapes from shale gas wells into aquifers and the atmosphere. Although many researchers investigate leakage of this greenhouse gas, detection can be difficult where natural sources of methane are present. Here, methane was studied in water near gas wells previously cited for well integrity issues. We identify chemical clues that can distinguish methane migration related to shale gas development from methane that was preexisting. We also document a geological setting—the upper part of a large geological fold at shallow depth—that may be prone to methane migration. Knowledge gained from this study may lessen the chances for fugitive methane emissions into aquifers in the future.

%0Journal Article