Hydraulic fracturing, commonly referred to as “fracking,” is a process used to extract oil and natural gas from geological formations deep underground. It involves injecting large quantities of water, sand, and chemicals into underground rock formations at very high pressures, resulting in the creation of fractures which release reservoirs of oil and gas.

Fracking has been used for decades as a way of recovering oil and gas from far-reaching underground deposits that would otherwise be too difficult to access. The pressure of fracking creates cracks, or fissures, in the subsurface rock formations that allow natural gas and petroleum to flow from them and to the surface. Gas and oil companies then use traditional drilling techniques to complete the extraction process.

The use of fracking has expanded in recent years due to the increased demand for energy and improved technology that have made the process more reliable and cost-effective. It is now used in nearly all oil and gas production wells in the United States, as well as in many other countries around the world.

Guided by seismic imaging and geolocation, the fracking process begins with the drilling of a deep vertical or horizontal borehole into an underground formation. Water, sand, and a cocktail of other chemicals, including acids and surfactants, are then injected into the borehole at high pressures. This creates fissures in the rock, releasing natural gas and oil and causing them to flow back to the surface.

The potential for fracking to significantly increase oil and gas extraction has been met with some criticism, however. Environmental concerns have been raised about the potential for surface and ground contamination from the chemicals used, and from methane and other gases that can escape into the surrounding environment during the process. Furthermore, some scientists and seismologists believe that large-scale fracking operations result in increased seismic activity, though this is still a topic of debate.

Many jurisdictions around the world have actively monitored and regulated fracking in an effort to address and mitigate potential risks. With improvements to the technology and enhanced regulations, fracking continues to be a viable option for oil and gas extraction in many parts of the world.