chapter 24 - section 2

How does the movement of tectonic plates contribute to the formation of oil pockets in Southwest Asia?

• By creating volcanic eruptions that release oil.

• By colliding and creating spaces where oil can form and be trapped.

• By causing earthquakes that push oil to the surface.

• By eroding the land and exposing oil deposits.

Why is oil considered a nonrenewable resource?

• Because it is found only in certain regions of the world.

• Because it takes millions of years to form from decayed sea creatures and plants.

• Because it can be recycled and reused.

• Because it is used faster than it can be produced.

What role does cap rock play in the formation of oil reserves?

• It allows oil to seep to the surface.

• It prevents oil and gas from escaping by acting as a barrier.

• It transforms plant and animal remains into oil.

• It absorbs oil like a sponge.

Explain why oil distribution is uneven in Southwest Asia despite the region's overall abundance of oil.

• Because oil companies choose where to drill based on political factors.

• Because specific geological conditions for oil formation existed in some areas but not others.

• Because oil is only found in desert regions.

• Because the region's climate affects oil distribution.

How do oil companies extract oil when the initial pumping process is unsuccessful?

• By drilling deeper wells.

• By injecting water or gases to create pressure and force the oil out.

• By using explosives to break the rock.

• By waiting for natural pressure to build up.

What evidence supports the idea that Southwest Asia was once underwater, contributing to its large oil deposits?

• The presence of ancient marine fossils in the region.

• The current climate of the region.

• The presence of large desert areas.

• The region's proximity to the ocean.

Why is it necessary to refine crude oil before it can be used as gasoline?

• Because crude oil is too thick to be used directly.

• Because crude oil contains impurities that must be removed.

• Because crude oil is mixed with water and natural gas when it emerges from the ground.

• Because crude oil is not flammable in its natural state.

What strategic reasoning might oil companies use to decide where to drill for oil in Southwest Asia?

• They drill in areas with the most political stability.

• They drill in areas with the highest proven reserves and lowest extraction costs.

• They drill in areas closest to the ocean for easier transport.

• They drill in areas with the least environmental regulations.

How does the concept of proven oil reserves influence global oil markets?

• It determines the price of oil based on supply and demand.

• It affects the political relationships between oil-rich and oil-poor countries.

• It provides a measure of how much oil can be economically extracted.

• It dictates the environmental policies of oil-producing countries.

What reasoning might explain why Saudi Arabia has more oil reserves than other countries in Southwest Asia?

• Saudi Arabia has a larger land area with more potential oil sites.

• Saudi Arabia has invested more in oil exploration technology.

• Saudi Arabia's geological history provided ideal conditions for oil formation.

• Saudi Arabia has fewer environmental regulations on drilling.