Petroleum is a naturally occurring, complex mixture of hydrocarbons, predominantly alkanes, cycloalkanes, and aromatic compounds, often containing heteroatoms such as sulfur, nitrogen, oxygen, and trace metals. It occurs in liquid form within subsurface sedimentary rock reservoirs and is generated through the thermal maturation of organic-rich source rocks under elevated temperature and pressure over geological timescales. As a substance, petroleum is characterized by its variable composition, density, and viscosity, which determine its classification (e.g., light vs. heavy crude) and influence its behavior during extraction, transport, refining, and environmental dispersion.
Science never stops. Get notified about trending stories.
