jarðolía

Jarðolía, commonly known as petroleum or crude oil, is a naturally occurring, yellowish-black liquid found in geological formations beneath the Earth's surface. It is a fossil fuel formed from the remains of ancient organisms, primarily plankton, that died and were buried under layers of sediment and rock over millions of years. The immense pressure and heat from these layers transformed the organic matter into hydrocarbons, the main components of petroleum.

Jarðolía is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons, with varying amounts of other organic compounds. Its composition can differ significantly depending on the geological location of its origin. Refined jarðolía yields a wide range of useful products. The most well-known include gasoline, diesel fuel, kerosene, and heating oil, which are essential for transportation and heating. It is also a vital feedstock for the petrochemical industry, producing plastics, synthetic fibers, fertilizers, and countless other materials that are integral to modern life.

The extraction of jarðolía typically involves drilling wells into underground reservoirs. Once extracted, it is transported to refineries via pipelines, tankers, or railcars. At refineries, it undergoes a process called fractional distillation, where it is heated and separated into its various component parts based on their boiling points. The global demand for jarðolía has made it a strategically important commodity, influencing international politics and economies. However, its combustion releases greenhouse gases, contributing to climate change, and its extraction and transportation carry environmental risks.