The researchers studied how oil shale changes under high pressure and heat to help guide oil shale conversion. They heated core samples from an oil shale mining area and found that shale oil and gas are produced in three stages. Water is made at 300 ℃, then shale oil and gas increase from 300–475 ℃. Methane is the main gas produced, with over 90% above 450 ℃. Some shale oil stays in the shale, while some is released. At 350 ℃, non-hydrocarbon components peak. Saturated hydrocarbons are highest in later stages. Pores reopen and expand with higher temperatures, creating small hydrocarbons. Good hydrocarbons are made at low temperatures, with a turning point at 425–450 ℃. Above 450 ℃, hydrocarbon production is low. This helps in selecting the right temperature for oil shale mining.