[tahr-pit] 
| seepage of natural tar or asphalt, esp. an accumulation that has acted as a natural trap into which animals have fallen and sunk and had their bones preserved. |
| tar pit n. An accumulation of natural tar or asphalt at the earth's surface, especially one that traps animals and preserves their bones. |
| tar pit
An accumulation of natural tar or asphalt at the Earth's surface, especially one that traps animals and preserves their hard parts. Tar pits form when petroleum in subterranean petroleum-bearing rocks oozes up to the surface. As it rises, the petroleum loses its volatile components, forming a thick tar or asphalt deposit. |
