Horizontal drilling is a technique used in the extraction of oil and natural gas. Unlike traditional vertical drilling, this method allows drillers to create wells that extend horizontally beneath the earth's surface. This approach increases access to resources that are spread out over a larger area, making it more efficient and cost-effective. The process begins with a vertical well that transitions to a horizontal path at a certain depth. This enables the drill to reach multiple reservoirs from a single location, minimizing surface disruption and reducing the number of wells needed. Horizontal drilling has become essential in tapping into unconventional resources like shale gas.