Shale

Shale is a fine-grained sedimentary rock formed from compacted clay and silt. It often contains organic materials, which can generate oil and natural gas over millions of years under heat and pressure. Shale is significant in the energy sector, as advances in drilling technology have made it possible to extract these hydrocarbons through methods like hydraulic fracturing (fracking). This has led to increased oil and gas production, impacting energy markets and economies. Additionally, shale formations can be found in various locations worldwide, with notable examples including the Marcellus and Bakken shale plays in the United States.