Fossil fuels are the result of plants and animals that have died and decomposed between the layers of earth for over 300 million years. With an increase of pressure and temperature, over time the decomposed organisms break down into simpler forms of hydrocarbons. These hydrocarbons form pools. With the shifting of the earth, the hydrocarbons eventually pool together between layers of rock that it cannot penetrate, forming reservoirs. Natural gas, such as methane, can be found trapped between the slabs of rock along with the oil. “An oil reservoir is not some vast underground lake, but rather a seemingly solid layer of rock that is porous. Oil fields have been found everywhere on the planet except for the continent of Antarctica.”
Over 85% of the energy demand is fulfilled through fossil fuels in the United States. In the late 1800’s coal and oil were used as light sources, for steam powered boats, and in automobiles. Towards the end of WWI gas powered trucks, tanks, and planes increased the demand for oil. WWII brought advances to these inventions, which later made their way to the public. Today, America consumes roughly 20 million barrels of oil per day, which is more than 25% of the world’s total oil. With a slight increase in demand of oil each year and oil production decreasing, new sources of energy is should be higher of a priority. Having new sources of energy, such as solar or wind, will not only lower our reliance on foreign oil, but will lower carbon emissions and the cost of electricity.
Osman, O., & Shannon, D. Fossil Fuels (1998, April 9). Retrieved March 27, 2009 from http://www.umich.edu/~gs265/society/fossilfuels.htm
Energy Information Administration(2006, October 30). Demand. Retrieved March 31, 2009 from http://www.eia.doe.gov/pub/oil_gas/petroleum/analysis_publications/oil_market_basics/demand_text.htm#Measuring%20Oil%20Consumption
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