6.5 Oil Shale Flashcards
What is Oil Shale
Solid kerogen
Formed when silt and organic matter is heated and pressurised under water
Where in the World is Oil Shale Being Exploited Most
USA
Large reserves (77% of world world reserves) in the Green River Formation of rocks in Colorado, Utah and Wyoming (approx. 800 bill barrels)
Benefits to Oil Shale
Lets be honest no real benefits. Barely benefits USA
Oil Shale Cost
Very expensive and release green house gas of course
Little commercial development anywhere in world so no real market to profit off when there are other energy source
Over-use of water resources (two barrels of water for one oil barrel)
How is Oil Shale Extracted
Mined but must be heated to high temp to release oil