Fossil Energy
GNS Science explores the Earth’s crust for fossil fuels - for oil, gas and coal.
Fossil fuels have become the driving force behind human civilisation in the last couple of centuries, and have become vital for energy, transport, agriculture and the creation of synthetic materials. Our use of fossil fuels is associated with global climate change and is also challenged by peak oil. Whilst the use of renewable energy sources is growing, we are still very dependent on oil, coal and gas.
Learn about:
- Creating hydrocarbons – how are oil, gas and coal formed?
- New Zealand’s sedimentary basins – where are these resources?
- Finding oil, gas and coal – exploration methods
- Producing hydrocarbons – from crude oil to plastics
Plastic household items made using petroleum. Image from Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Plastic_household_items.jpg).
Explore more:
- Careers – in the oil and gas industry