Learn English Lesson #12 (Read + Speak + Study Questions)

Abiotic oil theory resurfacing The conventional theory of oil formation is that dead plant and animal matter was crushed under tremendous pressure and heat for millions of years, forming oil. This theory has never been proven or replicated. Diamonds are produced in this manner and humans have produced artificial diamonds for sale in commercial markets. However, scientists have never taken a plant and turned it into black oil. This caused Russian scientists to question the traditional theory of oil and to invent the abiotic oil theory. Saturn has methane gas in its rings so it is possible that all hydrocarbons such as natural gas (methane), oil and coal were formed from carbon deposits as the earth was forming. The recent abiotic theory was invented in 1951 after the Alberta tar sands were noted to not contain any 'source rocks' to provide the necessary pressure to convert plant matter into the oil. Other scientists snapped back with the claim that volcanic activity provided source rock but this argument seems to have no basis. Questions: Contrast abiotic oil and conventional oil theory. Abiotic oil theory suggests oil comes from carbon deposits as the earth was forming. Conventional oil theory suggest that plant and animal matter were crushed under tremendous pressure and heat, forming oil. What proof exists for abiotic oil? Saturn has methane in its rings and scientists have never converted plants into black oil.