Fracing: meaning, definitions and examples
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fracing
[ ˈfrækɪŋ ]
oil extraction
Fracing, short for hydraulic fracturing, is a technique used to extract oil and gas from underground rock formations by injecting high-pressure fluid to create fractures in the rock. This method allows for the release and capture of fossil fuels that are otherwise difficult to access. Fracing has become a significant method in modern energy extraction, contributing to increased production in fossil fuel industries.
Synonyms
fracking, hydraulic fracturing, well stimulation.
Examples of usage
- The fracing process has revolutionized natural gas extraction.
- Environmental concerns have been raised about the fracing technique.
- Companies are investing heavily in fracing technology.
- Regulations surrounding fracing differ from state to state.
Etymology
The term 'fracing' is derived from the process of hydraulic fracturing, which has its roots in the oil and gas industry dating back to the late 1940s. The first commercial use of hydraulic fracturing was conducted in 1947, and since then, the technique has evolved significantly. The abbreviation 'fracing' or 'fracking' became popular in the 1990s as the method gained popularity in the United States, particularly in shale formations, which contain significant reserves of oil and natural gas. The increase in fracing activities has raised both economic and environmental discussions, making it a common term in energy conversations.