Natural gas is one of the most abundant energy sources in the world. Like oil, it is created by the decomposition of organic matter. The lightest of all hydrocarbons, natural gas is commonly found in underground formations either by itself; associated with or lying atop oil deposits; or dissolved in crude oil.
Natural gas is a fossil fuel formed underground over millions of years from the remains of plants, animals and microorganisms. Like all fossil fuels, it is “non renewable”—there is a finite amount of it, and once it is depleted, there is no more available for future needs. Non-renewable resources are consumed much faster than nature can create them.
Natural gas is generally found a mile or more beneath the earth’s surface, but is sometimes found at shallower depths.