What is sandstone containing highly viscous, asphalt-like hydrocarbon compounds referred to as?

What is sandstone containing highly viscous, asphalt-like hydrocarbon compounds referred to as?

• A. Bitumen Sand
• B. Oil Sand
• C. Tar Sand
• D. Asphalt Rock

Answer: (C)

The concept tested is recognizing the terminology for a sandstone saturated with extremely viscous, tar-like hydrocarbons. When these heavy hydrocarbons fill the pore spaces in sandstone, the deposit is described as tar sand because the material resembles tar in consistency and behavior. Bitumen is the substance involved, giving the rock its asphalt-like, very viscous characteristics, but the naming emphasizes that the hydrocarbons are intergrown with sandstone. In practice you may also hear oil sands, which refers to the same deposits and is common in certain regions, yet tar sand specifically highlights the tar-like nature of the hydrocarbons within the sand. The other labels aren’t standard descriptors for this geologic feature: bitumen sand isn’t a typical term, asphalt rock isn’t used in petroleum geology, and while oil sand can be correct in some contexts, tar sand is the term that best matches the description.

The concept tested is recognizing the terminology for a sandstone saturated with extremely viscous, tar-like hydrocarbons. When these heavy hydrocarbons fill the pore spaces in sandstone, the deposit is described as tar sand because the material resembles tar in consistency and behavior. Bitumen is the substance involved, giving the rock its asphalt-like, very viscous characteristics, but the naming emphasizes that the hydrocarbons are intergrown with sandstone. In practice you may also hear oil sands, which refers to the same deposits and is common in certain regions, yet tar sand specifically highlights the tar-like nature of the hydrocarbons within the sand. The other labels aren’t standard descriptors for this geologic feature: bitumen sand isn’t a typical term, asphalt rock isn’t used in petroleum geology, and while oil sand can be correct in some contexts, tar sand is the term that best matches the description.