Offshore Platform (Civ3)/Civilopedia

Mankind's dependence on wood and coal as a main source of fuel ended when the first commercial oil well went into 
production in Pennsylvania in 1859. Crude oil could be refined into many different byproducts, and soon replaced wood 
and coal in many parts of the world. The growing dependence on oil caused the petroleum industry to grow rapidly and 
wells were drilled all over the world. Most wells were initially drilled on land, but after World War II it was found 
that many of the largest oil deposits could be found below the sea floor. Shallow water drilling from platforms supported 
by pylons resting on the seabed proved very successful. Today, large floating platforms can drill for oil at water depths 
of more than 3300 feet.