Hydrocarbon Generation

Hydrocarbon generation refers to the process by which organic materials, primarily from ancient plants and animals, are transformed into hydrocarbons—the main components of fossil fuels like oil and natural gas. This transformation occurs over millions of years under heat and pressure in the Earth's crust. The organic materials, often buried in sediment, undergo chemical changes, breaking down into simpler compounds that eventually form hydrocarbons. This process is crucial for understanding how fossil fuels are created and provides insight into energy resources we rely on today.