Hydraulic fracturing, also known as fracking, is not a new concept. The hope of accessing fossil fuels trapped within layers of shale deep beneath the Earth's surface was achieved through the process of fracking, developed in 1903 (energyin Depth.com). Over the last century, hydraulic fracturing has become an efficient and environmentally friendly way to access the natural gas needed to meet high demand in the United States. With the rapid deterioration of environmental conditions, the hydraulic fracturing process is being called into question. Fracking has made natural gas trapped in shale deposits beneath the Earth's surface accessible through new techniques, all while generating jobs, stimulating the economy, and safely creating an environmentally friendly source of energy. The hydraulic fracturing process has evolved and improved since its creation over 100 years ago. In fact, engineers and geologists have spent more than 40 years perfecting the process, and the result has been worth it (energyinapprofondimento.com). Furthermore, efficiency increased with the discovery of a process known as horizontal drilling (Kaufman and Sidick). Reporters Scott Detrow and Susan Phillips explain how horizontal drilling allows a shallow well to access gas trapped in hundreds of acres of shale. spins horizontally in different directions. The well is then lined with steel and concrete. The explosives are then placed at intervals along the horizontal section of the well. Under very high pressure, fracturing fluid is sent deep into the earth to create cracks and fissures in the shale rock. The cracks are then held open by sand in the fracturing fluid, a... paper medium... that matters. Close to home. WITF, 2011. Web. October 24, 2011. “History of Hydraulic Fracturing.” Energy in depth. Network. October 24, 2011."How fracking works." Energy from shale. 2011. Network. October 24, 2011. Kaufman, Ethan and Kelsey Sidick. “Preventing and Removing Hydraulic Fracturing Pollution in Pennsylvania Freshwater.” University of Pittsburgh, April 2011. Network. October 13, 2011Long, sandy. “What's in that fracking fluid?” River reporter. The River Reporter, December 4, 2008. Web. October 25, 2011. McGraw, Seamus. “Pennsylvania Fracking Accident – ​​What Went Wrong – Popular Mechanics.” Automotive Care, DIY, Tools, DIY Tips - Popular Mechanics. Network. Oct. 27, 2011. “Pennsylvania Fracking Spill: Natural Gas Well Spills Release Thousands of Gallons of Drilling Fluid.” Huffington Post. The Huffington Post, April-May 2011. Web. October 27. 2011.