The Origin of the term 'fossil' fuels

**G-Snake** · Nov5-09, 01:25 PM

This is a random question and I'm not scientifically oriented (which is obviously why I'm posting here).

If the origin of 'fossil' fuels as we know them came from the leftovers of biological species, why is 'fossil' fuel not called 'tree' fuel?

Sure it sounds stupid, but there have been trees, plants, and vegetation on the earth probably much longer (or equally as long) as most animal/insect lifeforms. Not only that, but generally speaking (and before humanity shat all over the planet) trees and vegetation covered nearly everything. I would imagine there have been A LOT more trees and vegetation that has grown/died throughout the earth's history than any kind of biological life form.

I'm not questioning the concept of biotic oil origins, I'm merely curious as to why they're called 'fossil' fuels. As for the theory of abiotic oil origins, while I'm skeptical of it, I'd be interested in knowing more about any results found.

Thanks in advance.

**Evo** · Nov5-09, 01:30 PM

Here is a good link.

http://www.scienceonline.co.uk/energy/nonrenewable.html

**G-Snake** · Nov5-09, 01:40 PM

Thanks for the information.

Hopefully humanity can progress past the age of oil. Is oil convenient and practical today? Absolutely. Is there any reason we shouldn't strive to maximize the use of renewable energy sources? Absolutely not.

Wishful thinking on my part, it's just a bit bothersome to me of what is done in the interest of oil. But what do I know, I don't even understand the process of oil :P

**Richard111** · Nov15-09, 02:06 AM

Google abiotic oil. Lot of strange information out there but the Russians claim worthwhile recovery.

**The_Absolute** · Nov15-09, 07:44 PM

When there is literally no more oil left to drill on the planet, I wonder what humanity will be inevitably do to choose an alternate energy source.

Oil company CEO's and executives, are going to milk oil as long as physically possible to greedily line their own pockets with Billions of dollars at the expense of the enviroment and people's health. When oil does eventually run out, there will probably be another world war or something.