Patent ID: 7001872

Claim:
A method of fracturing a subterranean formation comprising the steps of: introducing a first treating fluid into the formation at or near a zone of interest within the formation, to create or enhance at least one fracture therein, the first treating fluid being a gelled and crosslinked treating fluid comprising water, a substantially fully hydrated depolymerized polymer and a crosslinking agent for crosslinking the substantially hydrated depolymerized polymer; introducing a second treating fluid into the formation such that a length of at least one fracture therein is extended, the second treating fluid having a lower viscosity than the first treating fluid; and introducing a third treating fluid into the formation, the third treating fluid being a gelled and crosslinked treating fluid comprising water, a substantially fully hydrated depolymerized polymer and a crosslinking agent for crosslinking the substantially hydrated depolymerized polymer and further comprising a proppant material.