Hydraulic Fracturing and Environmental Change: Mapping Biophysical Impacts Over Time

Keywords: LST, Albedo, remote sensing, hydraulic fracturing
Abstract Type: Poster Abstract

Abstract

The rapid expansion of hydraulic fracturing infrastructure has led to considerable landscape changes, prompting concerns about its environmental impacts. These transformations encompass land use shifts and associated biophysical effects, such as alterations in land surface temperature (LST), vegetation cover, and albedo over time. To examine these effects, we conducted a comprehensive spatiotemporal analysis using remotely sensed data and infrastructure information—spanning wells, pipelines, and other assets—in the Permian Basin, a leading oil-producing region in Texas and New Mexico. Our study focuses on identifying regional patterns in LST and albedo fluctuations across various infrastructure types (e.g., unconventional oil and gas) and operational statuses (e.g., active vs. abandoned wells). By comparing areas with dense hydraulic fracturing activities to regions with minimal infrastructure, we highlight significant differences in biophysical responses, including potential warming effects localized around high-density extraction sites. Our hypothesis suggests distinct LST and albedo trends linked to infrastructure expansion, offering valuable insights into how these developments influence regional climate. This spatiotemporal analysis underscores the broader environmental implications of energy infrastructure and provides guidance for land use and environmental management decisions in regions impacted by hydraulic fracturing.