Petroleum
Why is petroleum important?
Petroleum is a fossil fuel. It is also called crude oil. It is the most widely used source of energy available.
Where is petroleum found?
Petroleum was first found oozing out of rocks on the Earth's surface. It is usually found underground. Most of the world's petroleum reservoirs lie deep underground in structures called anticlines (layers of rock that form an arch above the deposit). Most North American oil is found in Alaska.
Petroleum is a fossil fuel. It is also called crude oil. It is the most widely used source of energy available.
Where is petroleum found?
Petroleum was first found oozing out of rocks on the Earth's surface. It is usually found underground. Most of the world's petroleum reservoirs lie deep underground in structures called anticlines (layers of rock that form an arch above the deposit). Most North American oil is found in Alaska.
What is petroleum used for?
- Gasoline to fuel cars, motorcycles, trucks, small planes, go cart, 4 wheeler, snowmobiles, lawnmowers, chainsaws, leaf and snow blowers, camp stoves.
- Diesel fuel for some cars, most trucks, buses, trains, construction equipment, tractors, boats and ships.
- Oil for heating houses and buildings.
- Asphalt for roadwork and roofing, motor oil and grease, waxes for candles and polishes.
- Heavy fuel oil for electric power generation, large ships and some industrial processes (CNC equipment).
- Aviation jet fuel for airplanes and helicopters.
- The manufacturing process itself.
How can petroleum be used responsibly?
Many cities have a recycling programs that you can leave your oil at the curb. You can also have your oil changed by a mechanic that recycles the oil for you. Did you know that used motor oil never wears out? It just gets dirty and can be recycled, cleaned, and used again. Recycling used motor oil saves a natural resource (oil) and is good for the environment too! Motor oil poured onto the ground or into storm drains, or tossed into trash cans (even in a sealed container) can contaminate and pollute the soil, groundwater, streams, and rivers (and it's illegal!). Recycling your used motor oil reduces pollution.
Many cities have a recycling programs that you can leave your oil at the curb. You can also have your oil changed by a mechanic that recycles the oil for you. Did you know that used motor oil never wears out? It just gets dirty and can be recycled, cleaned, and used again. Recycling used motor oil saves a natural resource (oil) and is good for the environment too! Motor oil poured onto the ground or into storm drains, or tossed into trash cans (even in a sealed container) can contaminate and pollute the soil, groundwater, streams, and rivers (and it's illegal!). Recycling your used motor oil reduces pollution.