The process of hydraulically fracturing producing formations has developed into a major method for stimulating the productivity of oil and gas wells. The growth of formation fracturing is reviewed and the reservoir conditions and well conditions which have made it so successful are outlined.

The results of studies are presented which indicate that formation fracturing can be planned to overcome various types of unfavorable conditions. It is indicated that many oil-bearing strata previously considered to have inadequate permeability for commercial production might now be made commercial by creating deep penetrating fractures. The geologist should therefore become as familiar as possible with these possibilities in order to better plan exploration programs.

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