Land cover changes associated with recent energy development in the Williston Basin; Northern Great Plains, USA.

摘要: Abstract The Williston Basin in the Northern Great Plains has experienced rapid energy development since 2000. To evaluate land cover changes resulting from recent (2000–2015) development, area and previous of all well pads (pads) constructed during this time were determined, amount disturbed reclaimed adjacent to was estimated, analyzed over for three different types, effects future predicted. 12,990 ha converted predominately agricultural (49.5%) or prairie (47.4%) with lesser amounts developed (2.3%), aquatic (0.5%), forest (0.4%). Additionally, 12,121 ha likely been reclaimed. required per gas remained constant through while oil increased initially then decreased as first shifted conventional unconventional drilling multi-bore pads. For non-oil-and-gas wells (i.e. stratigraphic test wells, water injection wells), due produced disposal requirements. Future change is expected be 2.7 times greater than much occurring five counties core Bakken area. Direct disturbance are predicted affect 0.4% landscape across basin; however, area, 2.3% will affected including 2.1% remaining grassland. Although result significant change, evolving industry practices proactive siting decisions, such along corridors placing areas previously altered by human activity, have potential reduce ecological Basin.