Very few understand that absolutely vast amounts of hydrocarbons...

Very few understand that absolutely vast amounts of hydrocarbons have been released into the environment by natural processes .

Much of the hydrocarbons trapped in sediments is eventually released when tectonic forces in the form of earthquakes open faults that fracture the seals that prevented the hydrocarbons migrating to the surface .

Uplift and erosion even can release the residual oil .

Probably more hydrocarbons have been naturally released to the environment through natural processes than are still trapped in sediments today .

gltah