In essence, there is no difference between fracking and hydraulic fracturing; "fracking" is simply the more commonly used term for "hydraulic fracturing."
Understanding the Terms
The terms "fracking" and "hydraulic fracturing" refer to the same specific drilling technology. As stated in the reference, "Hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking” as it is more commonly known, is just one small method of the broader process of unconventional development of oil and natural gas."
This means that when people say "fracking," they are typically referring to the process formally known as hydraulic fracturing. Think of it like calling an automobile a "car" – "car" is the common name for the formal term "automobile."
Hydraulic Fracturing (Fracking) Defined
Fracking is a proven drilling technology used for extracting oil, natural gas, geothermal energy, or water from deep underground. The process involves injecting a high-pressure mixture, typically consisting of water, sand, and chemicals, into a wellbore to create small cracks (fractures) in deep underground rock formations. These fractures allow trapped resources like oil or natural gas to flow more freely toward the well, where they can be collected.
Terminology Comparison
Here's a simple breakdown:
| Term | Description | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Hydraulic Fracturing | The formal, technical term for the process. | Technical, Scientific |
| Fracking | The common, widely-used term for the process. | Everyday, Media |
Both terms describe the same method of creating fractures in subterranean rock.
Fracking in Context
While "fracking" refers specifically to the fracturing process itself, it's important to note that it is only one method within the larger scope of unconventional oil and natural gas development. This broader process includes steps like well drilling, casing, cementing, and site reclamation, among others. However, the core fracturing technique is what is colloquially known as fracking.
Essentially, if you hear someone discussing "fracking," they are talking about hydraulic fracturing. The difference lies only in the level of formality and common usage of the name.
