Hydrocarbon Burial & Preservation + How Different Types of Fossil Fuels Form | GEO GIRL

This video covers how hydrocarbons become preserved in the rock record, what minerals are associated with hydrocarbon deposits, how microorganisms affect/promote hydrocarbon preservation, and how different types of hydrocarbons (heavy versus light hydrocarbons/fossil fuels) form. First, we discuss the reason for large fossil fuel deposits in the rock record. For many years, anoxic conditions (oxygen depleted conditions) were used to explain the preservation of large accumulations of hydrocarbons. Now, however, we know that an increase in primary productivity is the main factor promoting the accumulation and preservation of hydrocarbons. Second, we discuss how different types of fossil fuels, such as oils vs gas, form. Labile organic material breaks down to form heavy hydrocarbons, oils. More resistant organic material forms light hydrocarbons, gases. The most refractory organic material forms graphite. Third, we discuss ways that microbes are used to help extract oil from Earth, such as dissolving associated minerals, producing gases that increase the pressure pushing the oil out, and/or producing extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). Fourth, we discuss how microbes can be used to clean oil spills or other fossil fuel contamination. Lastly, we discuss the minerals that are associated with hydrocarbon deposits, such as carbonates, phosphates, and amorphous silica. References: Geomicrobiology: https://amzn.to/2WAloTR Biology of Microorganisms: https://amzn.to/3kQqIuD GEO GIRL Website: https://www.geogirlscience.com/ (visit my website to see all my courses, shop merch, learn more about me, and donate to support the channel if you'd like!) 0:00 video outline 1:01 fossil fuel deposits are a mystery? 3:17 does anoxia promote hydrocarbon preservation? 4:54 the role of primary productivity 5:54 the role of bioturbation & burrowers 7:56 how different types of fossil fuels form 10:03 how microbes hinder fossil fuel extraction 10:39 how microbes help fossil fuel extraction 11:51 how microbes help clean up oil spills 13:43 hydrocarbon associated minerals 18:38 upcoming videos & references Hey there, Earth enthusiast! Check my favorite Earth-friendly products: Bamboo toilet paper: https://shrsl.com/3cvku Bamboo paper towels: https://shrsl.com/3cvkw Compostable tableware: https://shrsl.com/3cvkz Compostable trash bags: https://shrsl.com/3cvl0 Bamboo cutlery + straw! : https://shrsl.com/3cwfl Eco-Friendly Tote (great for grocery shopping!): https://shrsl.com/3cwfp Reusable straws + cleaning brushes (my fav!): https://shrsl.com/3cwft Eco-friendly laundry detergent: https://shrsl.com/3cwgo Directly offset your carbon footprint with Wren: https://shrsl.com/3d0t2 (Just click link, press get started, take the free C footprint quiz, then choose how much you want to reduce your footprint by donating to the C sequestration projects they're funding!) Non-textbook books I recommend: Oxygen by D. Canfield: https://amzn.to/3gffbCL Brief history of Earth by A. Knoll: https://amzn.to/3w3hC1I Life on young planet by A. Knoll: https://amzn.to/2RBMpny Some assembly required by N. Shubin: https://amzn.to/3w1Ezm2 Your inner fish by N. Shubin: https://amzn.to/3cpw3Wb Oxygen by N. Lane: https://amzn.to/3z4FgwZ Alien Oceans by K. Hand: https://amzn.to/3clMx1l Life's Engines: https://amzn.to/3w1Nhke Tools I use as a geologist/teacher/student: Geology field notebook: https://amzn.to/3lb6dJf Geology rock hammer: https://amzn.to/3DZw8MA Geological compass: https://amzn.to/3hfbdLu Geological hand lens: https://amzn.to/3jXysM5 Camera: https://amzn.to/3l6fGRT Carbon-neutral pencil bag: https://shrsl.com/3cvjv Carbon-neutral backpack: https://shrsl.com/3cvkc Disclaimer: Links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission, but there is no additional charge to you! Thank you for supporting my channel so I can continue to provide you with free content each week! And as always, let me know your topic suggestions in the comments down below!