Science Common Sense

658 - How do we find new oil reserves?

To find new oil reserves, we use several methods:

1. Seismic Surveys: We send sound waves through the ground and listen for echoes to create a map of underground rocks. This helps us identify areas where oil might be trapped.
2. Drilling Test Wells: We drill small wells to collect rock samples and see if there's oil in the area.
3. Satellite Imagery: We use satellites to study the ground and look for signs of oil, like changes in the way plants grow or the color of the soil.
4. Magnetic and Gravity Surveys: We use machines to measure the Earth's magnetic and gravity fields. These can help us locate underground rocks that might contain oil.
5. Underwater Search: We use sonar and other tools to search for oil under the ocean.

By combining these methods, we can identify areas where oil might be found and then start drilling to extract it.