Tar sands, also known as oil sands, are a mixture of sand, clay, water, and a thick form of petroleum called bitumen. This natural resource is found in large deposits, primarily in places like Canada and Venezuela. Extracting oil from tar sands is more complex and energy-intensive than traditional oil drilling, as it requires heating or mixing with solvents to separate the bitumen from the sand.
The extraction and processing of tar sands have raised environmental concerns. The process can lead to deforestation, water pollution, and increased greenhouse gas emissions. As a result, many people and organizations advocate for cleaner energy alternatives to reduce reliance on fossil fuels like those derived from tar sands.