Liuskeöljyesiintymien

Liuskeöljyesiintymien refers to deposits of oil shale, a fine-grained sedimentary rock containing kerogen, which is a solid organic matter that yields petroleum upon heating. These deposits are found in various geological formations around the world, often in sedimentary basins. The extraction and processing of oil shale are complex and energy-intensive compared to conventional oil extraction.

The process typically involves mining the oil shale and then heating it in a retort to release the volatile hydrocarbons, which are then collected and refined into crude oil or other petroleum products. Alternatively, in-situ retorting involves heating the oil shale underground. The environmental impact of oil shale extraction is a significant concern, including land disturbance, water usage, and potential air and water pollution.

Economically, the viability of oil shale extraction depends heavily on the global price of crude oil and the specific characteristics of the deposit. Historically, high oil prices have spurred interest in oil shale development, but falling prices can make such projects uneconomical. Significant oil shale deposits are known to exist in countries such as the United States, Estonia, China, and Russia. Research continues into more efficient and environmentally sound methods for extracting oil from these resources.