IGCSEEnvironmental ManagementCambridge (CIE)Revision NotesNatural ResourcesFrackingDefinition of Fracking

Definition of Fracking (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Environmental Management): Revision Note

Exam code: 0680

Alistair Marjot

Written by: Alistair Marjot

Reviewed by: Jacque Cartwright

Updated on

What is fracking?

  • Hydraulic fracturing, usually known as 'fracking', is a method used to extract natural gas or petroleum from deep shale rock layers

    • It involves pumping water, sand and chemicals at high pressure to fracture the rock

  • The high-pressure fluid creates small cracks in the shale

  • These cracks allow gas or oil trapped inside the rock to flow out

  • The fuel is collected through a well drilled into the shale layer

Diagram illustrating fracking: water, sand, and chemicals injected at high pressure into a well, creating fissures in shale to release gas.
Hydrologic fracturing or fracking

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    Author
    Reviewer
    Alistair Marjot

    Author: Alistair Marjot

    Expertise: Environmental Systems and Societies & Biology Content Creator

    Alistair graduated from Oxford University with a degree in Biological Sciences. He has taught GCSE/IGCSE Biology, as well as Biology and Environmental Systems & Societies for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. While teaching in Oxford, Alistair completed his MA Education as Head of Department for Environmental Systems & Societies. Alistair has continued to pursue his interests in ecology and environmental science, recently gaining an MSc in Wildlife Biology & Conservation with Edinburgh Napier University.

    Jacque Cartwright

    Reviewer: Jacque Cartwright

    Expertise: Geography Content Creator

    Jacque graduated from the Open University with a BSc in Environmental Science and Geography before doing her PGCE with the University of St David’s, Swansea. Teaching is her passion and has taught across a wide range of specifications – GCSE/IGCSE and IB but particularly loves teaching the A-level Geography. For the past 5 years Jacque has been teaching online for international schools, and she knows what is needed to get the top scores on those pesky geography exams.