2007-03-26 06:21:47 · 4 answers · asked by Dietmar 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Earth Sciences & Geology
we have oilfields in Wyoming that have been in continuous production for more than 80 years. the oil does not turn into turnips, it stay there ready to be extracted. the famous teapot dome started production in about 1924 and is still active. Oil has been continuosly produced at Lander WY since 1884. untapped oil will remain it its trapped position unless something happens to allow it to move upwards.
2007-03-26 09:05:00 · answer #1 · answered by lare 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Each deposit has to be completely mined within 20 years of discovery. This is because piercing the rock mantle protecting the oil allows Oxygen into the cavity, which causes oxidation to begin. It takes about 20 years for a 100 million gallon deposit to completely oxidize, which produces tar.
This of course gets to the interesting tidbit that the tar in your roof and roads is basically oil that has "expired."
Contrary to popular belief, it does NOT become coal. Coal is something produced INSTEAD of Oil, not by it.
2007-03-26 13:27:17 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It will just stay oil....
2007-03-26 13:29:05 · answer #3 · answered by kmplaya93 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it becomes coal
2007-03-26 13:23:58 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋