petroleum geochemistry

Petroleum geochemistry is the study of the chemical processes and composition of oil and natural gas within the Earth's layers. It helps scientists understand how organic materials, like plants and tiny microorganisms, transform over millions of years into hydrocarbon fuels. By analyzing chemical signatures and molecular structures, geochemists can determine the origin, age, and quality of petroleum reservoirs, guiding exploration and production. This field combines chemistry, geology, and biology to reveal the history and behavior of fossil fuels beneath the Earth's surface.