Hydraulic fracturing, commonly known as fracking, is a well stimulation technique used to extract oil and natural gas from deep underground formations, particularly from tight formations like shale, sandstone, and coal beds. The process involves injecting high-pressure fluid into the rock to create fractures, allowing hydrocarbons to flow more freely to the wellbore.

Key Steps in the Fracking Process:

1. Well Preparation:
   A well is drilled vertically, and often horizontally, into the target rock formation.
   Steel casing and cement are installed to protect groundwater and maintain well integrity.
2. Perforation:
   Small explosive charges are used to perforate the casing and cement at targeted intervals.
   These perforations provide the initial entry points for fracturing fluid.
3. Injection of Fracturing Fluid:
   A high-pressure mixture of water (90%), proppant (like sand) (9.5%), and chemical additives (0.5%) is injected into the well.
   The pressure causes the rock to crack.
4. Proppant Placement:
   The sand or ceramic proppant holds the fractures open once the pressure is released.
   This allows oil or gas to flow through the fractures to the wellbore.
5. Flowback and Production:
   The pressure is reduced, and some of the fracturing fluid returns to the surface (called flowback).
   Oil and gas begin to flow from the fractured formation.
   Common Chemicals Used in Fracking:
   Acids (e.g., HCl) – to dissolve minerals and initiate cracks.
   Gelling agents (e.g., guar gum) – to thicken the fluid.
   Biocides – to prevent microbial growth.
   Friction reducers – to minimize pipe friction.

Advantages:
Unlocks unconventional reservoirs.
Boosts domestic energy production.
Can lead to economic growth and job creation.

Environmental and Social Concerns:

1. Water usage – Fracking requires millions of gallons of water per well.
2. Groundwater contamination – Risk of chemicals leaking into aquifers.
3. Induced seismicity – Wastewater injection can cause small earthquakes.
4. Air quality – Emissions of methane and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
5. Land disturbance – Infrastructure development impacts ecosystems and communities.

Applications:
Most commonly used in shale gas and tight oil formations.
Key to production in areas like the Permian Basin (USA), Eagle Ford, and Marcellus Shale.

Fracking in the Middle East (including Iraq/Kurdistan):
Less common than in North America due to more conventional reservoirs.
However, interest is growing in exploiting tight formations and shale plays, especially as conventional fields mature.
Kurdistan and Iraq have significant potential in tight oil/gas, but fracking operations remain limited due to infrastructure, water availability, and regulatory challenges.