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Crude oil comes from beneath sedimentary rock, most often on land, but also from beneath the seabed via oil-drilling platforms.


Commonly, crude oil is thought to be the remains of dead plants and animals that have been buried under sediment for millions of years. The plants and animals are said to be slowly converted into crude oil by high temperature, compression and bacterial action.


An alternate theory suggests that crude oil may be a natural byproduct of the Earth's own subsurface methane gas interacting with minerals, heat and pressure changes that occur at points on the Earth where tectonic plates meet and crush together. Although unproven, this theory suggests that crude oil may be constantly forming as an on-going process of crustal interaction.


Remember: Just because you read something on the internet or in a book does NOT make it true. Be critical of what you read, and look for supporting evidence. Always accept things tentatively, and be prepared to change your opinion when new evidence comes to light.

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15y ago

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