Introduction to Fossil Fuels

Fossil fuels, formed from ancient organic matter, have powered human civilization for centuries. They include coal, oil, and natural gas, originating from prehistoric plants and animals.

Surprisingly, it takes over 300 million years for fossil fuels to form. This process, known as diagenesis, occurs under intense heat and pressure within Earth's crust.

Not all fossil fuels are equal. Coal can vary in energy content based on its type, ranging from lignite to anthracite, with anthracite being the most energy-dense and cleanest burning.

Oil reserves can offer a biological window into Earth's past. Certain oil deposits contain biomarkers that are chemical fossils, tracing back to specific species of ancient organisms.

Natural gas is primarily methane but also contains other hydrocarbons. Its lesser-known components, such as helium, are used in scientific applications, from MRI machines to space exploration.

The 'peak oil' concept suggests a maximum rate of extraction; thereafter, a decline ensues. However, new extraction technologies and discoveries have continually pushed this theoretical peak further into the future.

Fossil fuels don't just generate energy; they shape global politics. Control over oil reserves has been a significant factor in international relations, leading to alliances, conflicts, and economic shifts.