The Deep Vertical Hole: Operators first drill straight down into the earth, often reaching depths of 5,000 to 10,000 feet or more, to reach the target sedimentary or shale rock formations.
The Horizontal Hole: Once the drill reaches the specific rock layer, it turns sideways to drill horizontally for a mile or more. This horizontal drilling allows a single surface location to access a massive area of the underground resource.
The "Micro" Holes: After the main wellbore is drilled, it is lined with steel pipe (casing) and cement to protect groundwater. Because the well is completely sealed, a specialized tool called a perforating gun is lowered into the hole. It fires small explosive charges to blast tiny holes through the steel casing and cement.
Only after all of these holes are created can the actual fracking fluid (water, sand, and chemicals) be pumped in at high pressure to crack open the rock and release the trapped oil and natural gas