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

C. 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 involves the burial of organic matter, its transformation into petroleum under heat and pressure, and subsequent accumulation in traps formed by impermeable rock layers that prevent the petroleum from migrating to the surface.