Oil was formed from the remains of animals and plants that lived millions of years ago in a marine (water) environment before the dinosaurs. Over the years, the remains were covered by layers of mud. Heat and pressure from these layers helped the remains turn into what we today call crude oil . The word "petroleum" means "rock oil" or "oil from the earth."


Products Made from a Barrel of Crude Oil (Gallons)
After crude oil is removed from the ground, it is sent to a refinery by pipeline, ship or barge. At arefinery, different parts of the crude oil are separated into useable petroleum products. Crude oil is measured in barrels (abbreviated "bbls"). A42.U.S gallon of crude oil provides slightly more than 44 gallons of petroleum products. This gain from processing the crude oil is similar to what happens to popcorn, it it gets bigger after it is popped.

One barrel of crude oil, when refined, produces about 20 gallons of finished motor gasoline, and 7 gallons of diesel , as well as other petroleum products. Most of the petroleum products are used to produce energy. For instance, many people across the United States use propaneto heat their homes and fuel their cars. Other products made from petroleum include: ink, crayons, bubble gum, dishwashing liquids, deodorant, eyeglasses, records, tires, ammonia, and heart valves.