A rock that has the potential to generate oil or gas if subjected to elevated temperature and pressure is known as a
A) kerogen.
B) coal.
C) source rock.
D) reservoir rock.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A source rock is a sedimentary rock where organic material (kerogen) is deposited and buried deep enough to be subjected to elevated temperature and pressure. This organic material has the potential to generate oil or gas over time through the process of thermal maturation. Coal is also a sedimentary rock, but it is formed from the accumulation of plant material that has decayed and gone through a different type of geological process than the formation of oil and gas. Reservoir rock is a rock that contains oil or gas and can be extracted through drilling, but it may or may not have originated from a source rock.

A Rock That Has the Potential to Generate Oil or Gas