[Strategerist]

Doesn't that argue against oil and gas being "fossil" fuels and more for substances naturally produced by a break. I can think of no reason why fossil fuels should occur near a break.

The shallow seas in an area where there's a new continental rift are perfect places for the plankton that forms oil deposits to build up in sediments. The oil deposits aren't directly caused by the rifting process.

[DannyTN]

I meant to say “caused by the earth”,not “caused by the rift”. Your explanation is plausible.

[canuck_conservative]

the plankton that forms oil deposits

Does the plankton form all the sulfur in the oil too?