Tar sands are sedimentary rocks impregnated with tar oil, asphalt, or bitumen. Which option correctly identifies this characteristic?

Tar sands are sedimentary rocks impregnated with tar oil, asphalt, or bitumen. Which option correctly identifies this characteristic?

• A. Tar sands are sedimentary rocks impregnated with tar oil, asphalt, or bitumen.
• B. Tar sands are rocks with high clay content only.
• C. Tar sands are metamorphic rocks with gas pockets.
• D. Tar sands are limestone formations with oil seepage.

Answer: (A)

Tar sands are sedimentary rocks saturated with viscous petroleum called bitumen. That description is the best because the defining feature is bitumen filling the pore spaces in a sand-rich rock, not simply having high clay content, being metamorphic, or being limestone with oil seepage. Tar sands form in sedimentary basins and are mined or heated to extract the oil.

Tar sands are sedimentary rocks saturated with viscous petroleum called bitumen. That description is the best because the defining feature is bitumen filling the pore spaces in a sand-rich rock, not simply having high clay content, being metamorphic, or being limestone with oil seepage. Tar sands form in sedimentary basins and are mined or heated to extract the oil.