petroleum reservoirs

Petroleum reservoirs are underground formations that store oil and natural gas. They are typically found in porous rocks, such as sandstone or limestone, which can hold these hydrocarbons like a sponge holds water. The oil and gas accumulate when organic material, buried over millions of years, breaks down under heat and pressure. Reservoirs are often capped by an impermeable layer of rock that traps the hydrocarbons, preventing them from escaping. Understanding these reservoirs is crucial for oil exploration and production, as they help determine where to drill for energy resources.