How does natural gas drilling work?

Like all forms of energy drilling, natural gas drilling starts when a natural gas deposit is found deep beneath the Earth’s surface. To find these deposits, energy company scientists use a variety of methods. They look at the surface geology of an area, the seismic energy (how energy moves from inside the Earth to its surface) and even the magnetic properties of the underground rock formations. Once a likely deposit of natural gas is located, the energy company then drills down to reach it.

Of course, getting gas out of the Earth isn’t easy. A natural gas well isn’t at all like a water well (where you drill a hole in the ground and water fills it). 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.

While this sounds easy enough, there are still some controversies surrounding natural gas drilling. Some people argue that it releases dangerous chemicals into the groundwater and can contaminate drinking water and agricultural water. Also, once the fracking solution has been used, it’s filled with toxic chemicals. Sometimes it can be recycled for other fracking operations.

Now, the next time you relax in a toasty warm house heated by natural gas, you’ll know where it comes from.

This article was updated in conjunction with AI technology, then fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.