Yuma Public Library

Describes the history of the oil industry, the ways in which oil is refined and processed, the uses of oil and oil products, the influence that the need for oil has on the world's current political situation, and the impact of oil byproducts on the environment.

An overview of the use of petroleum, known as Black gold, for the world's energy needs and the struggle to balance the pros and cons of using this coveted -- and non-renewable -- resource.

Color photos fill this overview of oil, which describes its origins, its physical makeup, its ancient and modern uses, and its role in the future, and also provides a listing of related books and Web sites