Petroleum Geology

Where does the World Find Oil and Natural Gas?

What are oil and natural gas and why should I care? Where do we find these natural resources? Oil and Natural gas are organic compounds found buried in deep sedimentary rocks. They are the remains of ancient plants and algae. We use oil and gas because these chemicals provide an incredible amount of energy that we can use to drive our cars and light our houses. Hydrocarbons like oil and natural gas are also used to make plastics and nylon.

Resources

• Michigan Geological Repository for Research and Education: Geology and Petroleum-Applications of Earth science in the oil and gas industry (slideshow)
• Michigan Oil and Gas Association: News, education
• San Joaquin Geological Society: Looking for oil and gas? (includes an interactive glossary of geology terminology)