Explanation –

Statements 1 and 3 are correct. Hydrocarbons are organic compounds consisting of hydrogen and carbon atoms, and they exist in various forms, including natural gas, coal, crude oil, and petroleum. These resources are typically found in subterranean rock formations. Porous rock formations, such as sandstone or limestone, can hold larger quantities of hydrocarbons because the pores within these rocks allow fluids to accumulate and move through the rock, creating reservoirs for hydrocarbon storage. The permeability of the rock, which is the ability of fluids to flow through the interconnected pores, is also important for hydrocarbon extraction. The more permeable a rock is, more easily the hydrocarbons will flow through it.

Statement 2 is incorrect. In the rocks, the primary source of hydrocarbons is kerogen, which are lumps of organic matter. Kerogen is a complex organic material formed from the decomposed remains of dead plants and animals that settled on the ocean floor or lake beds millions of years ago. Under high pressure and temperature over time, kerogen transforms into various hydrocarbons we utilize today. So, kerogen acts as the precursor material for the oil and gas we extract from rock formations.

Source: The Hindu