Definition of Fracking (Cambridge International IGCSE Environmental Management)

What is fracking?

• Hydraulic fracturing, usually known as 'fracking', is a method used to extract natural gas or petroleum from deep shale rock layers

  • It involves pumping water, sand and chemicals at high pressure to fracture the rock

• The high-pressure fluid creates small cracks in the shale

• These cracks allow gas or oil trapped inside the rock to flow out

• The fuel is collected through a well drilled into the shale layer

Hydrologic fracturing or fracking