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Professor John Robertson OBAThe above BBC article, based on Reform UK comments, makes no mention of the older folded geology which Scotland is made up of almost entirely. I seemed to remember reading something suggesting that it would make fracking more difficult and, inevitably, more dangerous.

Unable to find it by Googling, I asked my old pal Grok AI:

Does Scotland’s older more folded geology make fracking more difficult?

The answer:

Yes, Scotland’s older, more folded geology can make fracking more challenging. The country’s geological structure, particularly in areas like the Midland Valley, includes complex, heavily faulted, and folded rock formations from the Devonian and Carboniferous periods. These formations are often more brittle and fragmented due to tectonic activity, which can complicate hydraulic fracturing. Key challenges include:

• Complex Faulting: Faults and fractures can disrupt the continuity of shale layers, making it harder to predict and control fracture propagation during fracking.
• Variable Rock Properties: Older, folded rocks may have inconsistent porosity and permeability, reducing the efficiency of gas or oil extraction compared to younger, more uniform shale formations.
• Geological Heterogeneity: The folded and faulted nature of Scotland’s geology can lead to uneven pressure distribution, increasing the risk of seismic activity or inefficient fracturing.
• Depth and Accessibility: Target shale formations, like those in the Carboniferous Bowland Shale, may be at varying depths or structurally complex, increasing drilling costs and technical difficulty.

However, some aspects of folded geology, like natural fractures, could potentially enhance gas flow if properly mapped and managed. The overall feasibility depends on detailed site-specific surveys, but the complexity generally raises costs and risks compared to simpler geological settings, like those in parts of the U.S. (e.g., the Marcellus Shale).

See the above reference to problems in fracking in the Scottish Midlands Valley?

Here’s the British Geological Survey (BGS) map which has identified four areas where there’s potential for commercial shale gas extraction:

I suppose the title ‘British’ Geological Survey tells you whose interests it will always serve.

And more dangerous too?

Scotland’s older, more folded geology, characterized by complex fault systems and ancient, brittle rock formations, can indeed pose challenges for fracking that may increase risks of environmental pollution compared to less complex geological settings. Here’s a concise breakdown of why:

1. Complex Faulting and Fractures: Scotland’s geology, shaped by tectonic events like the Caledonian Orogeny, features highly folded and faulted rock layers. These faults can act as pathways for fracking fluids or methane to migrate to groundwater aquifers or the surface, increasing the risk of contamination if not properly managed. Studies, like those from the British Geological Survey, note that faulted regions require precise mapping to avoid unintended fluid migration.
2. Brittle Rock and Seismic Risks: Older rocks, such as those in Scotland’s Midland Valley, are often more brittle, making them prone to micro-seismic activity during fracking. While most induced tremors are minor, poorly mapped faults could amplify seismic risks, potentially compromising well integrity and leading to leaks.
3. Groundwater Vulnerability: Scotland’s aquifers are often closer to the surface in some areas due to the folded geology, which could make them more susceptible to contamination from fracking fluids or methane if well casings fail or if fluids migrate through faults. The 2019 UK moratorium on fracking was partly driven by concerns over such risks, though no Scotland-specific incidents were cited.