Chapter 11 Resources and Energy Section 2 Fossil Fuels Notes 11-2

Fossil Fuels Fossil Fuels: Hydrocarbons: Natural resources with an organic origin Formed from the remains of living things Coal, petroleum and natural gas Hydrocarbons: Compounds that make up fossil fuels Made of hydrogen and carbon

Coal Dark colored, organic rock Bituminous, anthracite and lignite When there is limited oxygen content in the air, decomposition doesn’t completely get rid of plant and animal remains Coal may form after the leftovers are covered by sediments and buried

Formation of Coal Carbonization: Occurs when partially decomposed plants are buried in sediments or mud Bacteria consume some of that living material As the bacteria work they release gases Methane (CH4) and Carbon dioxide (CO2) Gases escape and leave only carbon behind

Types of Coal Peat: Lignite: Bituminous Coal: Anthracite Coal: Partial decomposition of plant remains Lignite: Brown coal; denser than peat Bituminous Coal: Soft coal; compressed lignite Anthracite Coal: Hard coal; metamorphic rock

Sites Peat: http://www.waikato.govt.nz/enviroinfo/land/management/peat.htm

Petroleum & Natural Gas Mixtures of hydrocarbons Petroleum (oil): liquid form Natural Gas: gas form Coal is converted to liquid and gas when enough pressure is applied over time Low oxygen supply is vital

Petroleum & Natural Gas Petroleum is found in permeable rock Permeable: Porous; liquid can flow easily through it Petroleum flows up through the permeable rock until it hits an impermeable rock The natural pressure that forces the oil up through the rock also forces up through the well Cap rock: impermeable rock ; liquid can not travel through it

Petroleum & Natural Gas Water, petroleum and natural gas all flow together Once they hit the cap rock, they form a reservoir Water is at the bottom Petroleum in the middle Natural gas on the top See page 200

Uses of Fossil Fuels Main source of energy for transportation in the world Crude oil: unrefined petroleum Many products are made form this Gasoline, heating oil, kerosene, lubricants, asphalt See pie chart on p. 201

Uses of Fossil Fuels Petrochemicals: Chemical derived from petroleum Plastic Synthetic fabrics Medicine Tar Insecticides Detergents and shampoo

Fossil Fuel Supplies Coal is the most abundant fossil fuel in the world 2/3 of the known deposits are found in the USA, China and Russia At the current rate, the coal deposits will last about 200 years Most of petroleum in the USA has been found The rest is most likely along the edges of the continent

Fossil Fuel Supplies In the US, petroleum production will soon decline. 90% of oil is still untapped in other parts of the world Much natural gas is still untapped but far under the ground (4,600m) Oil shale can be used for petroleum is more expensive to mine than oil

Fossil Fuels and the Environment Any use of fossil fuels has an affect on the environment Strip mining destroys the land Cause erosion Acid is formed from exposed rock from mines Can harm aquatic life Burning them causes air pollution Sulfur dioxide is produced; causes acid rain Burning gasoline causes air pollution Oil spills can occur and harm the environment

Sticky Notes and Key Terms Due: Nov. 6 Homework Sticky Notes and Key Terms Due: Nov. 6