Hydraulic fracturing (fracking) is a highly engineered process of injecting water, sand, and a small volume of other chemicals down a well and into the formation to increase the connection between the formation and the well. This allows faster production of hydrocarbons and a more efficient production process. After the injection is complete, the well is turned on, and most of the water that was injected is then produced back to the surface, collected, and disposed of. The sand remains inside the reservoir to keep the tiny cracks in the formation open to allow the oil and gas to flow into the well.
