Comprehension Check 3.8

Oil geologists use a variety of sensitive instruments to allow them to "see" the rock formations that lie deep beneath the surface. Engineers then drill holes into the most promising formations to see if they contain oil.

How do oil geologists find buried petroleum?

Coal is called a fossil fuel because it is derived from the fossilized remains of plants.

Why is coal called a fossil fuel?

anthracite

a hard, shiny, black coal that is expensive to mine

bituminous coal

the most common type of coal, also known as "soft coal"

lignite

the poorest quality of coal, also known as " brown coal"

petroleum (or crude oil)

the thick, dark colored, flammable liquid that is considered a liquid fossil fuel

surface mining and underground mining

two types of coal mining mentioned in the chapter