Natural gas tends to be contained within the underground rock itself. The rock must be broken to release the gas. And if it’s brought out the wrong way, it can contaminate the groundwater supply surrounding it. To get the most gas possible, after drilling a hole, energy companies line the hole with materials meant to keep the gas in. Next, they send electric charges down the well, which affect the rock around it. After the charges are set off, a highly-pressurized liquid fracking solution is sent down the well. This solution breaks up the rocks, releasing the natural gas. Since the gas is lighter than the fracking solution, it rises to the top of the well for capture.
