While fossil fuel has always been extractable from the natural fissures in certain rock formations, some of these deposits are too diffuse to be economically feasible using traditional drilling methods.  

Increasing demand, however, has spurred the development of fracturing technology such as in New Mexico.  Pioneered in West Texas, fracking is being used to increase the productivity of drill sites in shale that previously were too expensive to drill.  

Fracking is dependent on fracturing fluid, typically comprised of water-based concoctions riddled with assortments of chemicals.  The chemical makeup of the fluid varies from company to company.  

The process of fracking involves forcing the tainted water straight down into the earth.  By pumping fracturing fluid deep into the rock formation fissures under the earth, the cracks are expanded and combined.  These expanded cracks allow     one single well to tap into multiple diffuse deposits.  

Though this new drilling technology allows relatively cheaper drilling for the oil companies, the dangers of such extreme practice brings costs to public health and the environment.
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