Fossil Fuels

State Performance Indicator – Evaluate how human activities affect the condition of the earths land, water, and atmosphere.

Fossil Fuels: Bill Nye

Fossil Fuels Definition: – Nonrenewable energy resources formed from the remains of plants and animals that lived millions of years ago – Remember…all living things are at least partially made of carbon! – 3 types of fossil fuels: Petroleum (liquid) Natural gas (gas) Coal (solid)

Petroleum Definition: – A liquid mixture of complex hydrocarbon compounds – Also known as crude oil – Must be refined, or processed, to make several products – Uses: Fuels (gasoline, kerosene, jet fuel, etc..) Styrofoam Plastic Synthetic Rubber

Petroleum More than 40% of the world’s energy consumption is related to petroleum-based products

Natural Gas Definition: – Gaseous mixture of hydrocarbons – Highly flammable – Often found with petroleum deposits Uses: – Heat – Butane, propane, etc…

Petroleum & Natural Gas Formation

Microscopic sea organisms died millions of years ago. Their remains settled on the ocean floor. Sedimentation occurred. Heat, pressure, and time slowly changed the remains into petroleum and natural gas. This formation is an ongoing process.

Coal Definition: – Solid fossil fuel formed from partially decomposed plant material – Different grades, or kinds, of coal form under special conditions – Made the Industrial Revolution possible Primary Use: – Electricity

Coal Formation Swamp plants die and sink to the bottom of the swamp. The plants partially decompose and form peat, a brown, crumbly substance made mostly of plant material and water. Peat is buried by sediment. Heat and pressure change peat into coal over millions of years. *Think: Is coal sedimentary, metamorphic, or igneous rock?

Check for Understanding Name 3 uses for petroleum. What is the primary use for natural gas? What is the primary use for coal?

Fossil Fuel Issues

Our modern society relies on fossil fuels. Unfortunately, they come at a great cost. In order to understand these costs, consider the following: 1.Extraction (Drilling & Mining) 2.Transportation 3.Pollution

Extraction Definition – The removal of fossil fuels from their natural location. Methods of extraction depend on the fossil fuel. Examples: – Coal mining – Oil drilling (on & offshore)

Mountaintop Removal

Strip Mining

BP Spill – Gulf of Mexico

BP Gulf Oil Spill

Transportation After fossil fuels have been extracted, they are transported around the world. During transportation, accidents and natural disasters can result in major spills. Examples: – Exxon Valdez

Exxon Valdez

Kingston Coal Ash Spill

Pollution

Remember that ALL fossil fuels contain carbon. When fossil fuels are burned, they release carbon into the atmosphere, often in the form of carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide is one of the major contributing pollutants of global climate change.

Pollution When fossil fuels are burned, other pollutants are also released into the atmosphere. Examples: – Mercury – Nitrogen oxides – Sulfur oxides – Carbon monoxide – Particulates – Ozone – Methane

Effects of Pollution from Fossil Fuels Acid Precipitation Smog Lung disease Neurological disease Global Climate Change