Hydraulic fracturing

{
  "id": "MLC-T-ENV-013598",
  "term": "Hydraulic fracturing",
  "field": "Environment",
  "definition": "1. The creation of fractures within a reservoir that contains oil or natural gas to increase flow and maximize production. A hydraulic fracture is formed when a fluid is pumped down the well at pressures that exceed the rock strength, causing open fractures to form in the rock.\n\n2. The process of using high pressure to pump sand along with water and other fluids into subsurface rock formations in order to improve flow of oil and gas into a wellbore.\n\n3. Fracturing of rock at depth with fluid pressure. Hydraulic fracturing at depth may be accomplished by pumping water into a well at very high pressures. Under natural conditions, vapor pressure may rise high enough to cause fracturing in a process known as hydrothermal brecciation.\n\n4. The process of using high pressure to pump sand-laden gelled fluid into subsurface rock formations in order to improve flow into a wellbore.\n\n5. Also referred to as hydrofracking, hydrofracturing, and fracking, is a well development process that involves injecting water under high pressure into a bedrock formation via the well. This is intended to increase the size and extent of existing bedrock fractures.\n\n6. Hydraulic fracturing, also referred to as \"fracking,\" is the process of drilling into host formations (shales and tight sandstones) and injecting fluids and sand under pressures great enough to fracture the rock formations to allow the extraction of oil and gas.\n\n7. Process of directing pressurized fluids containing any combination of water, proppant, and any added chemicals to penetrate tight formations, such as shale or coal formations, that subsequently require high rate, extended flowback to expel fracture fluids and solids during completions.",
  "subject": "Water",
  "references": [
    "Underground Injection Control Glossary",
    "Glossary: Study of the Potential Impacts of Hydraulic Fracturing on Drinking Water Resources; EPA Study of the Potential Impacts of Hydraulic Fracturing on Drinking Water Resources: Progress Report at http://www.epa.gov/hfstudy/pdfs/hf-report20121214.pdf",
    "DOE Energy Information Administration Glossary",
    "EPA Draft Plan to Study the Potential Impacts of Hydraulic Fracturing on Drinking Water Resources Glossary at www.yosemite.gov/sab",
    "USGS Energy Resources Program Energy Glossary & Acronym List",
    "Radiation Protection Radiation Glossary",
    "40 CFR 60.5430b (CFR 2024)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/environment/hydraulic-fracturing/"
}