Science 7: Unit E: Planet Earth Topic 10: Fossil Fuels

What are Fossil Fuels? The fuel we use for our cars, to heat our homes, and make many different products (through plastics) comes from different fossil fuels. Fossil fuels are found in the strata of sedimentary rocks. The fuel we use for our cars, to heat our homes, and make many different products (through plastics) comes from different fossil fuels. Fossil fuels are found in the strata of sedimentary rocks. Fossil Fuel – Hydrocarbon based fuels that came about from the fossils of plant and animal material. Over millions of years and under great pressure these fossils are turned into different fuels. There are several different types of fossil fuels that we rely on: Fossil Fuel – Hydrocarbon based fuels that came about from the fossils of plant and animal material. Over millions of years and under great pressure these fossils are turned into different fuels. There are several different types of fossil fuels that we rely on:

Petroleum Petroleum – a mixture of different hydrocarbons found in sedimentary rock basins. These hydrocarbons are fossil fuels. Petroleum is now used to create gasoline and a wide range of other fuels. Petroleum – a mixture of different hydrocarbons found in sedimentary rock basins. These hydrocarbons are fossil fuels. Petroleum is now used to create gasoline and a wide range of other fuels.

Coal Coal – Rock-like fossil fuel. Created by the fossilization of land- based plants. Coal power-plants are used in Alberta to provide electricity. Coal – Rock-like fossil fuel. Created by the fossilization of land- based plants. Coal power-plants are used in Alberta to provide electricity. Charcoal is similar to coal. Charcoal is similar to coal.

Oil Oil – Liquid fossil fuel. Derived from the fossilization of sea- based plants and animals. Used for heating homes in Eastern Canada and fuel for automobiles. Oil – Liquid fossil fuel. Derived from the fossilization of sea- based plants and animals. Used for heating homes in Eastern Canada and fuel for automobiles.

Natural Gas Natural Gas – Gaseous fossil fuel. Can be formed from the fossilization of both land-based and water-based plants and animals. Natural gas is used for heating homes in Alberta. Natural Gas – Gaseous fossil fuel. Can be formed from the fossilization of both land-based and water-based plants and animals. Natural gas is used for heating homes in Alberta.

Bitumen/Tar Sands/Oil Sands Bitumen – The famous oil sands of Northern Alberta. Bitumen is a solid form of petroleum found mixed with sand_. Surface or near surface supplies from bitumen are dug up and pumped through hot water to separate the petroleum from the sand. Deep supplies of bitumen must be heated with steam to make it lighter and then pumped to the surface. Bitumen – The famous oil sands of Northern Alberta. Bitumen is a solid form of petroleum found mixed with sand_. Surface or near surface supplies from bitumen are dug up and pumped through hot water to separate the petroleum from the sand. Deep supplies of bitumen must be heated with steam to make it lighter and then pumped to the surface. As the supplies of oil and natural gas run low, the interest in Alberta’s bitumen increases. As the supplies of oil and natural gas run low, the interest in Alberta’s bitumen increases.

Where Do We Find Petroleum Deposits? (See Fig on p. 429) (See Fig on p. 429) Near thrust faults Near thrust faults Near Normal Faults Near Normal Faults Near Ancient reefs – Note that these reefs form in OCEANS. The fact that one ancient reef existed near Leduc provides more evidence that Alberta once bordered the Pacific Ocean. Near Ancient reefs – Note that these reefs form in OCEANS. The fact that one ancient reef existed near Leduc provides more evidence that Alberta once bordered the Pacific Ocean.

How Do We Find Out Where these Deposits Are? By using technology such as: By using technology such as: Sound-wave (like sonar) trucks, Sound-wave (like sonar) trucks, Satellites and GPS, and Satellites and GPS, and Computers to analyze the data mining and energy companies can locate viable sources of fossil fuels. Computers to analyze the data mining and energy companies can locate viable sources of fossil fuels.

Map of Oil Sands in Alberta