Petrol, which is refined from petroleum (also known as crude oil), is found in vast underground reservoirs where ancient seas were located.
Petroleum is a fossil fuel, formed over millions of years from the remains of marine organisms buried under layers of sediment. Alongside coal and natural gas, it forms under similar geological conditions.
Where are Petroleum Reservoirs Located?
According to the provided reference, petroleum reservoirs, containing the crude oil that becomes petrol, are specifically located:
- In vast underground reservoirs: These aren't like open caves but porous rock formations where oil is trapped.
- Where ancient seas were located: The geological history of an area is key, as petroleum originates from marine life.
- Beneath land or the ocean floor: These reservoirs can be accessed from onshore drilling sites or offshore platforms.
Extracting Crude Oil
Once these underground reservoirs are identified, the crude oil is brought to the surface.
- Extraction Method: Crude oil is extracted using giant drilling machines. These machines bore wells down into the reservoir rock, allowing the oil to be pumped out.
This raw crude oil is then transported to refineries where it undergoes a process called fractional distillation to be separated into various products, including petrol (gasoline), diesel, jet fuel, and lubricants.
Understanding the formation and location of petroleum helps explain why it is a finite resource and how the industry works to find and access these valuable reserves deep underground.
