'Marching towards abyss'
Fidel Castro's well presented full page article, titled as above, published in the editorial page of a local English daily on 11th January, is a sound scientific analysis of what is happening and the dangerous possible aftermath of the methodology for exploration of methane from underground geological shale structures by the USA. Releasing the trapped methane gas from shale by forced hydraulic fracturing of the underground shale structure is a procedure involving various risks, as described in Castro's article. This procedure uses 'benzene' and 'toluene' to be injected mixed with water for the hydraulic fracture of the shale structure and releases water contaminated with carcinogenic benzene and toluene in the water bodies.
According to Castro, his observations are based on research findings of many knowledgeable West European scientists involved in the study of this methane of methane gas extraction. In their opinion, this and other hazards may even upset the underground geological structures causing man made calamities like earthquake or floods! He sums up that the 'hydraulic process' can damage our underground shale structure and in his considered opinion it is "an adventure that is far too premature and risky'. Finally, I express my admiration for Mr. Fidel Castro, for presenting a lucid and well researched paper of great international importance, providing knowledge and information on a new subject.
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