But XTO, with a smaller capital structure than the supermajors', is happy to invest in the neglected fields, using new techniques of 3-D imaging, horizontal drilling and so-called fracture stimulation--blowing open rock formations by injecting mudlike fluids down wells to get at big methane reservoirs.
Fracking involves the injection of water containing a surfactant and various other chemicals under high pressure into a source rock e.g. shale, causing the latter to fracture and release natural gas (principally methane).