What is Fracking?

Fracking is a method for extracting oil and natural gas from underground rocks.

Fracking, derived from hydraulic fracturing, is a technique for stimulating boreholes used to extract oil and natural gas from deep underground rock formations, particularly in rocks with low permeability such as shale, coal beds, and tight sand layers. The process involves injecting a high-pressure mixture of water, sand (proppant), and chemical additives into a drilled hole to create fractures in the rock. This allows the trapped hydrocarbons to flow more freely to the surface.

The fracking process begins with the selection and drilling of a vertical borehole, followed by horizontal drilling to maximize contact with the target rock formation. After drilling, the hole is isolated to shield it from surrounding groundwater. Fracturing occurs by injecting a fracking fluid that typically consists of about 90% water, less than 10% sand, and 0.5–2% chemical additives. The generated pressure causes small fractures in the rock, which are kept open by sand particles. Oil and natural gas then flow through the new fractures into the borehole.

Although fracking has enabled access to extensive new oil and natural gas resources and has driven significant growth in energy production, substantial water consumption and environmental contamination risks must also be considered. Furthermore, the technique can be associated with increased air pollution and heightened seismic activity. Given these challenges, regulating and controlling fracking practices is essential to ensure environmentally friendly methods and minimize health impacts on nearby communities.