Petroleum is a natural resource that is found below the surface of the Earth. Petroleum is unevenly distributed on Earth, but it is most often found in petroleum traps, which are underground rock formations that block the movement of petroleum.

Which of the following best describes what must have happened in the past in an area with a large petroleum trap?
A.
Permeable underground rock formations must have allowed the movement of organic matter deep into the Earth. Then, the organic matter must have been exposed to freezing temperatures until it formed petroleum.
B.
Organic matter must have been buried and placed under intense heat and pressure until it became petroleum. Then, the petroleum must have collected inside an impermeable underground rock formation.
C.
Organic matter must have been exposed to intensely cold temperatures until it became petroleum. Then, the petroleum must have moved up to the Earth's surface through permeable underground rock formations.
D.
Impermeable underground rock formations must have blocked the movement of organic matter through the Earth's surface. Then, the organic matter must have decomposed to form petroleum inside the rock formations.

User Icon for Bot GPT 4-o mini Bot GPT 4-o mini answered
19 hours ago

The best option that describes what must have happened in the past in an area with a large petroleum trap is:

**B. Organic matter must have been buried and placed under intense heat and pressure until it became petroleum. Then, the petroleum must have collected inside an impermeable underground rock formation.**

This option accurately explains the process of petroleum formation, where organic matter (such as plant and animal remains) is buried and subjected to heat and pressure over millions of years, transforming it into petroleum. After its formation, petroleum accumulates in a trap created by impermeable rock formations that prevent its migration.