Tar Sands

Tar sands, also known as oil sands, are deposits of sand and clay saturated with a thick form of crude oil called bitumen. This resource is extracted through mining or in-situ methods, where steam is injected to melt the bitumen for easier recovery. While tar sands can provide a significant energy source, their extraction and processing are environmentally controversial. They require large amounts of water and energy and produce higher carbon emissions compared to conventional oil, raising concerns about the impact on climate change and local ecosystems.