Oil is a naturally occurring, yellowish-black liquid found in geological formations beneath the Earth's surface. It is a non-renewable resource primarily composed of hydrocarbons. Oil is a crucial part of modern industrial society, as it is used for fuel, lubrication, and the production of numerous chemical products.
Oil is formed from the remains of ancient marine organisms, such as plankton and algae, that were buried under layers of sediment millions of years ago. The heat and pressure from the overlying sediment transform the organic material into hydrocarbons, leading to the formation of oil and natural gas deposits.
Oil is extracted from the ground using drilling techniques. Once extracted, it is transported to refineries where it undergoes a series of processes, including distillation, cracking, and refining, to produce various petroleum products such as gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and various petrochemicals.
The extraction, transportation, and consumption of oil can have significant environmental impacts, including air and water pollution, habitat destruction, and contribution to climate change. Oil spills from transportation and drilling activities can have devastating effects on marine and terrestrial ecosystems.