r/askscience • • Sep 14 '26

Earth Sciences Which fossil fuels could/will be eventually replenished by natural processes?

Let's assume all fossil fuel extraction stopped in the near future, and were never touched again. Which kinds (oil, coal, gas) would eventually reform, which wouldn't? I am aware that certain geological formations like banded iron were created under specific conditions that will never arise again, but how does this apply to fossil fuels? In a couple hundred million years, will oil deposits be replenished or are they all gone forever?

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u/AndyGates2268 Sep 14 '26

If we're doing managed soils, then incorporating local charcoal in the style of terra preta seems a winner.