What is mancos shale?

Mancos Shale is a geological formation that is located in the western part of the United States, specifically in the states of Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, New Mexico, and Arizona. The formation is estimated to be between 85 and 98 million years old, dating back to the Late Cretaceous Period.

The Mancos Shale is known for its vast reserves of natural gas and oil. The shale is rich in organic material that, over millions of years, has undergone structural and chemical changes to create fossil fuels. The shale is covered by a layer of hard rock, which helps to trap the gas and oil reserves.

The shale has also been extensively studied for its potential as a source of renewable energy. Researchers are exploring the possibility of using underground heat to generate geothermal energy. The Mancos Shale is particularly well-suited for geothermal energy due to its depth and temperature conditions.

However, the Mancos Shale has also been the subject of controversy and legal battles, particularly surrounding the issue of hydraulic fracturing or "fracking." Fracking is a controversial method used to extract oil and gas from shale formations, which have been linked to environmental and health problems.