As an expert in the field of energy resources, I am well-versed in the various forms of energy that have been harnessed by human civilization. Fossil fuels are a significant part of this narrative, as they have been the backbone of industrialization and modern society for centuries. The four main types of fossil fuels are coal, oil, natural gas, and, though less commonly recognized, peat.

Coal, as you mentioned, is a solid fossil fuel that has been formed over millions of years from the decay of land vegetation. It is primarily composed of carbon along with various other elements such as hydrogen, sulfur, oxygen, and nitrogen. The process of coal formation, known as coalification, involves the burial of plant matter, compression, and heating over geological time scales. This results in the transformation of peat into lignite, subbituminous coal, bituminous coal, and eventually anthracite, with increasing levels of carbon content and energy density.

Oil, also known as petroleum or crude oil, is a liquid fossil fuel that is formed from the remains of ancient marine organisms. These organisms, after their death, settled on the ocean floor and, over millions of years, were subjected to heat and pressure, leading to the formation of hydrocarbon deposits. Oil is typically extracted through drilling and is then refined into various products such as gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and lubricants.

Natural gas is a gaseous fossil fuel that is closely related to oil. It is primarily composed of methane but also contains other hydrocarbons and non-hydrocarbon compounds. Natural gas is often found in association with oil reservoirs and can also be found in deposits of its own. It is extracted through similar methods as oil and is used for heating, electricity generation, and as a feedstock in various industrial processes.

Peat is an often overlooked type of fossil fuel. It is an accumulation of partially decayed vegetation or organic matter that has been compressed over time. Peat is considered the earliest stage in the formation of coal and is used as a fuel in some regions, particularly for heating and electricity generation.

These fossil fuels have played a crucial role in the development of human societies. They are energy-dense and relatively easy to extract and use, which has led to their widespread adoption. However, the combustion of fossil fuels also releases significant amounts of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change and environmental pollution. As a result, there is a growing emphasis on transitioning to cleaner, renewable energy sources.

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