1. Observe the U. S. Natural Resources Map. Describe the distribution of oil and natural gas reserves in the United States as shown in the map. Distribution is the way in which something is spread over an area. 2. Observe the U. S. Sedimentary Basins Map. Compare the U. S. Sedimentary Basins Map with the U. S. Natural Resources Map. Describe any relationships or patterns you notice between the maps.
Map legend notes: A geological basin is a large, low-lying area, often below sea level. Geological basins are one of the most common places inland that collect sediment (apart from lakes). A “play” is a set of oil or gas accumulations located in rock that share similar geologic, geographic, and time characteristics. A “stacked play” contains oil and natural gas from several different layers of rock from different geological zones.

3. Describe the geological processes that form sedimentary rock. How are these processes connected to the formation of oil and natural gas?