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Story: Oil and gas

Porous sandstone

Porous sandstone

In this slice of sandstone there are many gaps between the sand grains, making the rock porous. As the gaps are connected, the sandstone is also permeable: any liquid or gas held in the rock can move through it. Rocks that are both porous and permeable are ideal reservoirs for storing oil and gas underground.

About this item

GNS Science
Photograph by Nick Mortimer

Permission of GNS Science must be obtained before any use of this image

How to cite this page:

Roger Gregg and Carl Walrond. 'Oil and gas', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, updated 19-Nov-09
URL: http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/oil-and-gas/2/1