These energy sources were formed during what was called the Carboniferous period which gets its name from carbon, the basic element in fossil fuels (Energy Quest 2012). Different variations of fossil fuels were created based on what combination of plant and animal debris were present, as well as the amount of pressure and temperature the remains were subjected to over those millions of years (U.S. Department of Energy 2013). During the Mesozoic era, evaporation caused a drastic change in water levels. This in addition to years of pressure and temperatures ranging from 150-300 degrees Fahrenheit, caused a chemical change in the hydrocarbons creating oils and natural gases (NMOGA
These energy sources were formed during what was called the Carboniferous period which gets its name from carbon, the basic element in fossil fuels (Energy Quest 2012). Different variations of fossil fuels were created based on what combination of plant and animal debris were present, as well as the amount of pressure and temperature the remains were subjected to over those millions of years (U.S. Department of Energy 2013). During the Mesozoic era, evaporation caused a drastic change in water levels. This in addition to years of pressure and temperatures ranging from 150-300 degrees Fahrenheit, caused a chemical change in the hydrocarbons creating oils and natural gases (NMOGA