fracking

Fracking, short for hydraulic fracturing, is a method used to extract oil and natural gas from formations with low permeability, such as shale. The technique involves injecting a fluid at high pressure to create and extend fractures in the rock, improving the well's ability to release hydrocarbons. The fracturing fluid is typically water with proppants (such as sand) and various chemical additives to manage the well and inhibit formation damage.

Drilling typically begins with a vertical well that is later extended horizontally within the target formation. The well casing is perforated, and the fracturing fluid is pumped at high pressure to create fractures. The proppant holds the fractures open so oil or gas can flow into the well. After fracturing, the injected fluids and hydrocarbons flow back as wastewater and production fluids, which are treated, stored, or re-injected.

Fracking originated in the mid-20th century. The combination of hydraulic fracturing with horizontal drilling in the 1990s and 2000s spurred the modern development of abundant shale gas and oil resources, notably in the United States, and reshaped energy markets. From the 2000s onward, high-volume hydraulic fracturing in shale plays expanded production and diversified sources of energy; this contributed to lower natural gas prices in some regions and to significant economic activity in areas with shale resources.

Environmental and public health concerns include high water usage, potential contamination from chemicals, surface spills, induced seismicity from wastewater disposal, and methane emissions. Regulations focus on well integrity, water management, disclosure of fracturing fluid constituents, and proper disposal or treatment of flowback. Policy varies by jurisdiction, with some regions imposing bans or moratoria, others adopting permitting regimes and disclosure rules. The role of fracking in energy strategy and climate policy remains debated.