Natural Gas

Natural gas is a fuel found deep inside the Earth. It has no color and no smell on its own. It is mostly made of a gas called methane. People burn natural gas to heat homes, cook food, and make electricity. It is often found near oil or coal.

Where It Comes From

Like oil and coal, natural gas is a fossil fuel. It formed from tiny plants and animals that died millions of years ago. Heat and pressure turned them into gas over time. The gas got trapped in rocks underground. Workers drill wells and pipe the gas to where it is needed.

How We Use It

Natural gas is used in homes for stoves, heaters, and water heaters. Power plants burn it to make electricity. Some buses and trucks run on natural gas instead of gasoline. Companies add a stinky smell to the gas so people can notice a leak. Natural gas burns cleaner than coal or oil.

Fun Facts

• Natural gas is mostly methane, the same gas that cows burp out.
• The smell added to natural gas is called mercaptan and smells like rotten eggs.
• A blue flame on a stove means natural gas is burning cleanly.

Did You Know?

Natural gas can be cooled until it becomes a liquid, which makes it easier to ship across the ocean in giant tankers.