Petroleum

Petroleum is a thick, dark liquid found deep inside the Earth. People call it crude oil. It formed millions of years ago from tiny plants and animals that died in the sea. Today we pump it out of the ground and use it in many ways. Gasoline, jet fuel, and plastic all come from petroleum.

How It Formed

Long, long ago, tiny sea creatures sank to the bottom of the ocean when they died. Layers of mud and sand covered them. Over millions of years, heat and pressure turned them into oil. The oil got trapped in rocks deep underground. Today we find it by drilling wells into those rocks.

How We Use It

Most petroleum is turned into fuel at a place called a refinery. The fuel powers cars, trucks, ships, and planes. Petroleum is also used to make plastics, paints, and even crayons. Burning petroleum makes smoke that can harm the air. Scientists are working on cleaner ways to get energy.

Fun Facts

• One barrel of petroleum holds 42 gallons.
• Petroleum is sometimes called 'black gold' because it is so valuable.
• The word 'petroleum' means 'rock oil' in Latin.

Did You Know?

Crude oil can be made into over 6,000 different products, including bubble gum and toothpaste.