1 of 5 | Oil sand fuel extraction was explained in simple terms by oil industry experts: At left is what the sand looks like after it is mined from the sand oil fields. At right is a small jar that was filled with warm water and a handful of oil sand. After the jar contents are swirled around a bit, the sand sinks to the bottom and the oil floats to the top. Of course, the real process is more complicated and involves solvents, etc. (Michael S. Williamson/The Washington Post)