GCSE Physics

Fossil Fuels: Oil


Fossil Fuels | Coal | Gas | Oil | Nuclear

There is a good supply of oil in the North Sea, to the east of the UK. Oil is a non-renewable fossil fuel consisting of the altered remains of tiny sea creatures from ancient oceans.

Like coal, it is found under sedimentary rock. Reserves are expected to run out before the end of the century.

Unfortunately, burning oil produces large amounts of the greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide (CO2), another major contributor to global warming.

Other gases produced also cause acid rain, which mainly falls in Scandinavia. This destroys forests and acidifies lakes, killing fish and other creatures.

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