How Is Fossil Fuel Formation
Fossil fuels are natural compounds that are the result of decayed plants and animals. These were buried under the surface of the earth, millions of years ago. Time, heat and pressure resulted in their decomposition and release of energy took place. |
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Biogenic theory claims that different fossil fuels were formed by chemical breakdown of different plants and animals. For example, petroleum was the product of prehistoric plankton and algae. These sank to the bottom of the sea in large volumes. Their decomposition began in the absence of oxygen. This decomposed material mixed with the mud and got buried under layers of sediments. The chemical change started due to high temperature and pressure. The resulting substance needs to be extracted and sent to refineries for the final process. This is the reason pipelines have been laid below seas and oceans. Coal, on the other hand is formed from the decay of terrestrial plants and hence requires on shore extraction technique.
The energy stored in fossil fuels mainly comes from the sun. When fossil fuels are burnt, it is the sun’s energy that is released. This energy is of significant use to mankind. Since centuries now people have been making use of fossil fuels. In olden times, coal was burnt to generate heat for preparing food. In today’s times, petroleum has become a widespread commercial product. Natural gas that was once ignored as only a byproduct while producing petroleum, now enjoys a place of much value. Other fossil fuels like heavy crude oil, tar sands and bitumen are also being studied to understand their properties better. Kerogen, which is found mainly under the sea, is being experimented upon to be used commercially.
But a rising concern is the fast depletion of the fossil fuels. The past century has seen increasing exploitation of these fuels by the human race. And the demand for the fuels is increasing day by day. The sky rocketing prices of fossil fuels has also not diminished their need. The truth remains that until we find alternative energy sources that are as efficient as fossil fuels, our dependence on them will never waiver.
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The Gulf of Mexico is an ocean basin surrounded by North America and Cuba. It is the world’s ninth largest water body. Its estimated date of formation is around 300 million years ago. It was probably the result of seafloor sinking. 
