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Fossil Fuels Resource Use Cycle
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I. Resource Use Cycle Formation and Concentration Location and Identification Mining and Refining Production and Use Disposal Recycle
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Millions of years ago, layers of dead plants at the bottom of swamps were covered by layers of water and dirt. The heat and pressure from the top layers helped the plant remains turn into coal. II. Coal Formation and Concentration
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Involves geochemical and geophysical surveys of an area, followed by exploration drilling. 1/8th of the US lies over coal beds. II. Coal Location and Identification
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In surface mining, giant machines remove the top-soil rock to expose coal. After mining, the dirt and rock are returned to the pit and the area is replanted. In underground mining, miners ride elevators down deep mine shafts where machines dig out the coal. II. Coal Mining and Refining
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Coal is used to generate almost half of all electricity produced in the United States. Separated ingredients of coal are used in making plastics, tar, synthetic fibers, fertilizers, and medicines. II. Coal Production and Use
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Non-renewable resource. Coal emissions are linked to global warming, acid rain, smog, and mercury contamination of water. Underground mining can be dangerous. Surface mining destroys large areas of the landscape. II. Coal Advantages of Energy Use Disadvantages of Energy Use Plentiful in US. High energy content. Relatively inexpensive.
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Dead organic material accumulates on the bottom of oceans, riverbeds or swamps. Sediment piles on top and the resulting heat and pressure transforms it into a dark and waxy substance. Depending on how liquid or gaseous this mixture is, it will turn into either oil or natural gas. After formation, it migrates into porous rock, until it becomes trapped between impermeable layers. III. Oil Formation and Concentration
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Surface rocks and terrain are studied to determine if oil is present underground. Shock waves are sent through the water or land. The length of time it takes for the waves to reflect back to a sensor can predict if the underground rocks contain oil. III. Oil Location and Identification
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Oil refining separates crude oil into useful substances. At refineries, oil is separated into fractions on the basis of different boiling points for different substances. III. Oil Mining and Refining
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Crude oil can be refined into gasoline, alcohols, waxes, kerosene, lubricants, asphalt, additives, plastic, oils and more. III. Oil Production and Use
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III. Oil Production and Use
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The most abundant and versatile energy resource. Liquid form makes it easy to transport and use. High energy content. Relatively inexpensive. III. Oil Advantages of Energy Use Disadvantages of Energy Use Non-renewable resource. Oil emissions are linked to global warming and acid rain. Oil drilling endangers the environment. Oil transportation can lead to spills, causing environmental damage. Dependence on foreign sources.
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Oil and natural gas are found in similar areas. IV. Natural Gas Formation and Concentration Location and Identification Natural gas is located in a similar fashion to oil. Mining and Refining Natural gas is transported through pipelines to a processing plant where it is stored for use.
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Used for heating and cooking in residential and commercial buildings. Used to create electricity. IV. Natural Gas Production and Use
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Burns clean and produces practically no harmful by-products. High energy content. Relatively inexpensive. IV. Natural Gas Advantages of Energy Use Disadvantages of Energy Use Non-renewable resource. Combustibility. Toxic at high volumes.
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