1. Renewable and Nonrenewable Resources Chapter 2

2. Theme Outline Lesson 2.3  Distribution and Management of Natural Resources  Pennsylvania Coal  Coal and the Environment  Pennsylvania Power Plants  Conservation

3. PA Academic Standards for Environment & Ecology Standard 4.2.10.C Analyze how man-made systems have impacted the management and distribution of natural resources.Analyze how man-made systems have impacted the management and distribution of natural resources. Explain the complete cycle of a natural resource, from extraction to disposal, detailing its uses and effects on the environment. Explain the complete cycle of a natural resource, from extraction to disposal, detailing its uses and effects on the environment. Analyze energy uses and energy conservation in different regions. Analyze energy uses and energy conservation in different regions. Examine conservation practices in different countries. Examine conservation practices in different countries. Analyze the costs and benefits of different man-made systems and how they use renewable and nonrenewable natural resources. Analyze the costs and benefits of different man-made systems and how they use renewable and nonrenewable natural resources. Analyze the impact of information systems on management and distribution of natural resources. Analyze the impact of information systems on management and distribution of natural resources.

4. Learning Objectives Students will analyze the costs and benefits of different types of power plants and how they use renewable and nonrenewable natural resources. Students will analyze the costs and benefits of different types of power plants and how they use renewable and nonrenewable natural resources. Students will use Pennsylvania coal to explain the complete cycle of a natural resource, how it is used, and its effects on the environment. Students will use Pennsylvania coal to explain the complete cycle of a natural resource, how it is used, and its effects on the environment. Students will learn about some of the global organizations and agencies that work to conserve global resources. Students will learn about some of the global organizations and agencies that work to conserve global resources. Students will analyze the impact of information systems on management and distribution of natural resources. Students will analyze the impact of information systems on management and distribution of natural resources.

5. Distribution and Management of Natural Resources Pennsylvania CoalPennsylvania Coal Mining Pennsylvania’s CoalsMining Pennsylvania’s Coals Coal and the EnvironmentCoal and the Environment Pennsylvania Power PlantsPennsylvania Power Plants Coal-burning Power PlantsCoal-burning Power Plants Nuclear Power PlantsNuclear Power Plants Hydroelectric Power PlantsHydroelectric Power Plants ConservationConservation

6. Pennsylvania Coal Common mining techniques  Room and pillar method  Long wall method  Surface mining method

7. Room and pillar method  Definition : mining method in which rooms are cut into a coal bed, leaving a series of pillars, or columns of coal, to help support the mine roof and control the flow of air Rooms are typically 20-30 feet wide Rooms are typically 20-30 feet wide Pillars are generally about 100 feet wide. Pillars are generally about 100 feet wide. Workers typically remove as much coal as possible until the roof falls in. Workers typically remove as much coal as possible until the roof falls in. Mines are typically abandoned when the retreat process is complete. Mines are typically abandoned when the retreat process is complete.

8. Room and pillar method

9. Longwall Method  Definition : procedure in mining in which a cutting head moves back and forth across a coal seam, causing pieces of coal to fall onto a flexible conveyor for removal from the mine Cutting heads move along coal seams, breaking off layers of coal and transporting them out of the mine using conveyor systems. Cutting heads move along coal seams, breaking off layers of coal and transporting them out of the mine using conveyor systems. Special roof supports are moved as the roof is cut, to ensure the stability of the mine. Special roof supports are moved as the roof is cut, to ensure the stability of the mine.

11. Surface Mining Draglines, bulldozers, and front-end loaders remove overburden from the coal seam.Draglines, bulldozers, and front-end loaders remove overburden from the coal seam. Explosions are sometimes used to loosen coal formations.Explosions are sometimes used to loosen coal formations. Surface mining occurs on level surfaces, follows coal seams along hillside, and uses open pits where thick coal seams are found.Surface mining occurs on level surfaces, follows coal seams along hillside, and uses open pits where thick coal seams are found.

14. Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) Definition: exposure of pyrite to air and water during mining, causing sulfuric acid and iron hydroxide to form PyritePyrite “Fool’s gold” “Fool’s gold” Found in large amounts in bituminous coal Found in large amounts in bituminous coal When exposed to air and water, sulfuric acid and iron hydroxide form When exposed to air and water, sulfuric acid and iron hydroxide form

15. Why is AMD a concern? Enters freshwater systems and air supplies from surface sources and underground sourcesEnters freshwater systems and air supplies from surface sources and underground sources Lowers pH of freshwater systemsLowers pH of freshwater systems Covers river and stream channels with iron hydroxide, a yellowish-orange compoundCovers river and stream channels with iron hydroxide, a yellowish-orange compound

16. So what do we do with mined areas? Mining of any resource, including coal, can greatly alter a natural landscapeMining of any resource, including coal, can greatly alter a natural landscape Historically active mines (prior to 1970s) operated until all of the economically harvestable coal was removed, then mines were abandoned.Historically active mines (prior to 1970s) operated until all of the economically harvestable coal was removed, then mines were abandoned. Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act ( 1977)Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act ( 1977)

17. Reclamation Definition : restoration of mined land to its original condition by reconstructing the land’s topography and replanting vegetation Definition : restoration of mined land to its original condition by reconstructing the land’s topography and replanting vegetation

18. Pennsylvania Power Plants  Major types of Power Plants Coal-burning power plantsCoal-burning power plants Mainly steam-turbine plants that burn bituminous coal to generate heat which turns water into steam which spins a series of turbines. PA has 16. Mainly steam-turbine plants that burn bituminous coal to generate heat which turns water into steam which spins a series of turbines. PA has 16. Nuclear power plantsNuclear power plants Mainly steam-turbine plants that use fission to break specific types of uranium generate heat which turns water into steam which spins a series of turbines. PA currently has 5 in operation. Mainly steam-turbine plants that use fission to break specific types of uranium generate heat which turns water into steam which spins a series of turbines. PA currently has 5 in operation. Hydroelectric power plantsHydroelectric power plants Mainly turbine plants that use the energy from moving water to generate electricity by spinning a series of turbines Mainly turbine plants that use the energy from moving water to generate electricity by spinning a series of turbines

19. Conservation Definition: careful use of a resource so that its supply will last longerDefinition: careful use of a resource so that its supply will last longer Best addressed by a series of questions …Best addressed by a series of questions … How can humans limit their dependence on nonrenewable energy sources?How can humans limit their dependence on nonrenewable energy sources? How can humans begin to utilize alternative energy strategies as primary energy sources?How can humans begin to utilize alternative energy strategies as primary energy sources? How can humans economically promote the use of renewable energy systems?How can humans economically promote the use of renewable energy systems? How can humans increase the efficiency of existing materials, and further improve the efficiency of future materials?How can humans increase the efficiency of existing materials, and further improve the efficiency of future materials?