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.

Question

Which of the following best describes what must have happened in the past in an area with a large petroleum trap?
A.
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.
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.
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.
D.
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

Answer 1

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 reflects the process of petroleum formation, which typically involves the burial of organic material, its transformation under heat and pressure over millions of years, and subsequent trapping in impermeable rock formations that prevent the petroleum from migrating further.