A Diet of Oil - Creation Moments

While scientists often talk about how it takes millions of years to form oil and gas deposits, they say little about the fact that oil and natural gas are forming today in the ocean’s sediments. The sediments of the Gulf of Mexico are well known examples of the rapid natural formation of petroleum deposits. In addition, oil and natural gas are seeping from petroleum deposits under the floor of the Gulf of Mexico.

But even more amazing is the discovery that there are sea creatures that actually use crude oil and natural gas for food. Scientists have known that some microbes digest oil. But they have discovered new species of worms, clams, mussels and crabs that cluster around petroleum and natural gas seepages on the floor of the Gulf. So far they have found 30 sites off the coast of Louisiana and Texas where these strange creatures have set up communities around seepages.

While doing this deep water research, scientists also discovered lakes under the ocean! They found patches of water much saltier and, therefore, much heavier than sea water resting on the sea floor like under sea lakes. They report that the saltier water lakes actually have ripples on their surfaces, just like a lake on dry land.

Despite claims made by some scientists, we humans are still only in the early stages of finding everything there is to find in the creation. Discoveries like this can show us that we are a long, long way from even beginning to understand how things in the creation actually work.

2 Corinthians 12:9
“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

Prayer:
Father, You humble man because our out-of-control pride needs a better grasp of reality. Help me to see that without Your Son, my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, I have nothing to boast about. Let my boasting be in Him. Amen.

Notes:
“Ocean depths harbor an ecosystem of creatures who dine on oil, natural gas.” Star Tribune (Minneapolis), Dec. 31, 1989. p. 15A.. Image: Oil spill clean up NOAA (PD)