Final answer:
Oil sands, also known as tar sands, form through a long geological process. Dead plants and animals were buried under soil or sand and transformed into oil and gas over millions of years. Oil sands are composed of moist sand and clay with oil absorbed within the surface soil.
Step-by-step explanation:
Oil sands, also known as tar sands, form through a long geological process. Millions of years ago, dead plants and animals were buried under soil or sand and were unable to decompose completely. Over time, the heat and pressure of the Earth's crust transformed this organic matter into oil and gas. Oil sands are composed of moist sand and clay with a small percentage of oil absorbed within the surface soil. When heated, the oil is separated and refined for energy.