Tar Sand refers to sandstone containing what kind of hydrocarbons?

Tar Sand refers to sandstone containing what kind of hydrocarbons?

• A. Light Gaseous Hydrocarbons
• B. Water-Rich Hydrocarbons
• C. Crystalline Hydrocarbons
• D. Highly Viscous, Asphalt-Like Hydrocarbons

Answer: (D)

Tar sands are sandstone saturated with heavy, asphalt-like hydrocarbons known as bitumen. These hydrocarbons are extremely viscous and don’t flow at normal conditions, which is why they’re described as tar-like rather than light crude oil. Light gaseous hydrocarbons would be the components of natural gas, not the material found in tar sands. The presence of water isn’t what defines tar sands, and bitumen isn’t a crystalline hydrocarbon. The defining idea is the dense, viscous, asphalt-like nature of the hydrocarbons in the sand.

Tar sands are sandstone saturated with heavy, asphalt-like hydrocarbons known as bitumen. These hydrocarbons are extremely viscous and don’t flow at normal conditions, which is why they’re described as tar-like rather than light crude oil. Light gaseous hydrocarbons would be the components of natural gas, not the material found in tar sands. The presence of water isn’t what defines tar sands, and bitumen isn’t a crystalline hydrocarbon. The defining idea is the dense, viscous, asphalt-like nature of the hydrocarbons in the sand.