Shale oil is a type of crude oil that is extracted from shale rock formations. These formations contain organic material that has been transformed into oil over millions of years. The extraction process often involves techniques like hydraulic fracturing, or "fracking," which helps release the oil trapped in the rock. The rise of shale oil production has significantly impacted the global energy market, particularly in countries like the United States. This increase in supply has contributed to lower oil prices and has shifted the dynamics of energy dependence, making some nations less reliant on traditional oil-producing countries.