Ever wondered what keeps your car running, powers airplanes across the skies, or heats homes during winter? The answer lies deep beneath our feet—in petroleum. But here’s the fascinating part: this fuel we depend on every day started forming millions of years ago from tiny plants and animals living in ancient seas . If you’re a high school or college student curious about science, an environmentally conscious adult who wants to understand the energy we use, or simply someone who has asked, “Where does petroleum really come from?” , this guide is for you. Let’s dive into the amazing journey of petroleum formation , from prehistoric oceans to modern fuel pumps. What is Petroleum? Petroleum, often called crude oil , is a fossil fuel. It’s a natural liquid found beneath Earth’s surface, composed mostly of hydrocarbons. These hydrocarbons can be refined into gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, plastics, and countless products you use daily. But petroleum didn’t just appear overnight. Its form...