WHAT IS “FRACKING”?

Fracking is the process of using explosives and a highly pressurized mixture of water, sand, and chemicals to stimulate production from natural gas and oil wells.

STEP #1: Operators drill a well. While often associated with horizontal wells (where a well bore can be turned 90 degrees and extend up to 2 miles horizontally) any type of well can be fracked.
STEP #2: Explosives are sent down the well to punch holes in the pipe.
STEP #3: Fracking fluid (a mixture of water, sand and chemicals) is pumped down the well and through the holes at high pressures to crack and hold open the rock.
STEP #4: Freed natural gas and/or oil flows out of the rock and back up the well, is captured at the surface, and is then shipped to market.