Learning goal 3: Choose one of the three fossil fuels – coal, oil or natural gas – and describe:how it was formedhow we use it as a source of energy

Sure, I will choose oil as the fossil fuel for this discussion.

1. Formation of Oil: Oil is formed from the remains of tiny plants and animals (plankton) that died in ancient seas between 10 million and 600 million years ago. After the organisms died, they sank into the sand and mud at the bottom of the sea. Over millions of years, the remains were covered by layers of mud and sand, which turned into rock due to the pressure from the layers above. The pressure and the intense heat at those depths transformed the remains into oil and gas. Over time, some of this oil and gas began to move upward through the earth's crust until they were trapped beneath impermeable rocks, forming an oil reservoir.

2. Use of Oil as a Source of Energy: Oil is a major source of energy due to its high energy density, transportability, and relative abundance. It is refined into various fuels including gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel. These fuels are used in vehicles, airplanes, and ships, making oil crucial for transportation. Oil is also used in power plants to generate electricity. In addition to fuels, oil is used to produce a variety of products including plastics, synthetic materials, and chemicals. Despite its many uses, burning oil releases carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. Therefore, there is a growing interest in finding renewable energy sources to replace oil.