About Heavy Crude Oil

Heavy crude oil is typically located within three miles of the earth's surface. However, as of right now, it is impractical and almost impossible to obtain heavy oil that is over 100 meters below the surface. It has a much higher carbon to hydrogen ratio than that of light crude oil. This makes heavy oil have a significantly higher density and viscosity. As a result, it is much harder to get this kind of oil out of the ground. In order to mine heavy oil you need essentials such as a larger workforce, more powerful equipment, more energy to gathering materials, more time, and more money. Transporting this oil is also a burden. The burning of heavy oil has higher carbon dioxide emissions than that of light oil. The mining of heavy oil has many negative impacts on our environment. On the other hand, most heavy oil reserves remain untouched by oil companies, and as light oil runs low, it may become a valuable resource. Technologies that reduce the cost of procedure and are more environmentally friendly are essential towards establishing agreements between oil companies and our government.