#Origin of petroleum?
Hi. How's about a little discussion <snicker> —
The commonly accepted theory is that petroleum is derived from ancient
biological organisms that were "geologically processed" over eons into the
hydrocarbon mishmash known as petroleum. As far as I know though (which is
VERY little), this is more a logical conclusion than anything that has actually
been "proven". And indeed, I think at least a minority faction speculates that
oil is a by-product of formation of the earth, or other natural (non-bio)
processes, and even spent a lot of money to drill a well in a place where one
would expect oil according to the latter theory (don't think he found anything
though). (This is from a vaguely remembered PBS show.)
This letter is posted for discussion purposes. But please — what data is
"known" that supports that oil might be from bio origins (or not)? Try to
discuss data rather than essentially affirm that you follow one belief or the
other.
Cool! – Mike, Ph.D.