Why do we say that petroleum is a non-renewable resource?
Petroleum is called a non-renewable resource because it takes millions of years to form from the remains of microorganisms and plants that got buried deep inside the Earth.
It is found in limited quantities and once extracted and used, it cannot be replenished within a reasonable period of time. The rate at which petroleum is being consumed is much faster than the rate at which it forms naturally.
Explanation
The chapter states that petroleum is formed from remains of microorganisms and plants buried deep inside the earth over millions of years. It is found in limited quantities and is classified as a non-renewable resource because it does not get replenished within a reasonable period.
Solution Steps
Petroleum takes millions of years to form from buried remains of microorganisms and plants.
It is found in limited quantities.
It cannot be replenished within a reasonable period of time once used.
The consumption rate is much faster than the natural formation rate.