US government geologists report increase in earthquakes around fracking areas
US government geologists have reported that the number of earthquakes in the central United States rose "spectacularly" near where oil and gas drillers fracked.
The average number of earthquakes of magnitude 3 or greater in the US mid-continent - an area that includes Arkansas, Colorado, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Texas - increased to six times the 20th century average last year, scientists at the US Geological Survey said in an abstract of their research.
More top news
David Beckham retires on a high
Retiring midfielder David Beckham declared tonight's match at the Parc des Princes "couldn't have been any more perfect".
Bonnie Tyler totally eclipsed by favourite Denmark
The UK was holding out for a hero but in the event Bonnie Tyler was totally eclipsed by favourite Denmark at the Eurovision Song Contest/
Tories move to smooth 'mad swivel-eyed loons' rift
The Conservative Party has moved to head off a row with grassroots activists after a Tory ally reportedly described them as "loons".