<p>Hydrocarbons exist as short chain molecules; that act as feedstock for biological consumption. As just geologically stored carbon, it's useless. Apart from methane and ethylene, hydrocarbons as a whole play no large biological role. As hydrocarbons. When humanity re-released this carbon into the Biosphere as <span class="math-container">$\ce{CO2}$</span> it drove stockpiles of available carbon for biology up. All photosynthetic organism... plants, bacteria, algae needs <span class="math-container">$\ce{CO2}$</span> in order to produce sugars that are the primary energy source for every plant and animal. To be fair, water is also essential, as are nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, and many other minor elements. But <span class="math-container">$\ce{CO2}$</span> is the most important, as all life on earth is carbon-based, and the carbon comes from <span class="math-container">$\ce{CO2}$</span> in the atmosphere.</p>

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2021-10-05T07:50:25.287Z
2021-10-05T20:37:48.697Z
2021-10-05T20:37:48.697Z
LazyReader
<p>I have not been able to find any scholarly resources citing the impact of hydrocarbons in stasis underground.</p>
<p>Hydrocarbons not being used for as a source of energy have very few noted needs for the environment.</p>
<p>Do these “fossil fuels” underground help maintain homeostasis in microbial ecosystem  or aid in the growth of flora etc?</p>
<p>Or are these substances: coal, animal remains and natural gas detrimental even if left untouched? Since most methods of break down are no longer an option due to decomposers not being able to reach these substances?</p>
<p><a href="https://www.ucsusa.org/resources/environmental-impacts-natural-gas" rel="nofollow noreferrer">https://www.ucsusa.org/resources/environmental-impacts-natural-gas</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.nature.com/scitable/knowledge/library/the-ecology-of-carrion-decomposition-84118259/" rel="nofollow noreferrer">https://www.nature.com/scitable/knowledge/library/the-ecology-of-carrion-decomposition-84118259/</a></p>

<environmental-protection><hydrocarbons>
What is the importance of hydrocarbons to the natural environment?
Science nerd
# What is the importance of hydrocarbons to the natural environment?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2021-10-03)

I have not been able to find any scholarly resources citing the impact of hydrocarbons in stasis underground.

Hydrocarbons not being used for as a source of energy have very few noted needs for the environment.

Do these “fossil fuels” underground help maintain homeostasis in microbial ecosystem or aid in the growth of flora etc?

Or are these substances: coal, animal remains and natural gas detrimental even if left untouched? Since most methods of break down are no longer an option due to decomposers not being able to reach these substances?

<https://www.ucsusa.org/resources/environmental-impacts-natural-gas>

<https://www.nature.com/scitable/knowledge/library/the-ecology-of-carrion-decomposition-84118259/>

**Tags:** environmental-protection, hydrocarbons


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## 1 answers

### Answer by username_1 on 2021-10-05. Score: 2

Hydrocarbons exist as short chain molecules; that act as feedstock for biological consumption. As just geologically stored carbon, it's useless. Apart from methane and ethylene, hydrocarbons as a whole play no large biological role. As hydrocarbons. When humanity re-released this carbon into the Biosphere as $\ce{CO2}$ it drove stockpiles of available carbon for biology up. All photosynthetic organism... plants, bacteria, algae needs $\ce{CO2}$ in order to produce sugars that are the primary energy source for every plant and animal. To be fair, water is also essential, as are nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, and many other minor elements. But $\ce{CO2}$ is the most important, as all life on earth is carbon-based, and the carbon comes from $\ce{CO2}$ in the atmosphere.


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