1. FOSSIL FUELS III Coal

2. Formed from ancient plants. Coal beds were prehistoric swamps. Can be considered to be “stored” solar energy. Photosynthesis: CO 2 + H 2 0 + solar energy  carbohydrates + O 2 We can also run the process backwards and burn carbs to get energy, water and carbondioxide.

3. Normally when a plant dies it decomposes. If there is not enough Oxygen, it can’t completely decompose, thus we get a slow accumulation of energy. In a swamp, the bacteria that decompose the plants also use up the Oxygen. Coal found today formed between 1 and 440 million years ago.

4. Steps to becoming coal: Peat Lignite Subbituminous Bituminous Anthracite The major difference is the percentage of the coal that is Carbon. Higher Carbon concentration means better quality coal. (in general)

6. Coal progresses through the stages with increase pressure and temperature. Type % Carbon Energy Content (Btu/lb) Lignite305000-7000 Subbituminous408000-10000 Bituminous50-7011000-15000 Anthracite9014000

7. The largest amount of US coal is Bituminous. Approximately 1% is Anthracite. (Found in Pennsylvania.) Many coal veins have a high sulfur content. – Significant contributor to acid rain. – S+O 2  SO 2 – SO 2 combines with water in atmosphere to form sulfuric acid. – Limits the use of those coals

8. Coal Mining Coal veins can be 1in to 400 ft thick. Must be at least 2 ft thick to make mining profitable. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, mining remains the second most dangerous occupation in America.Bureau of Labor Statistics Two basic ways to get to it – Tunnels (deep reserves) (40%) – Strip mining (near surface) (60%)

9. Tunnel Mining

10. Strip Mining

11. Mountain Top Removal video video

12. Should Mountain Top Removable be allowed in the U.S.? 1.Yes 2.No

13. US Coal Reserves by Type

14. Coal Reserves Sulfur Content

15. World Coal Reserves

18. Coal Production

20. A thick shroud of haze lingers over China, turning the sky an opaque grey. Beijing, China's capital, is situated under the densest portion of the smog layer. The aerosol pollution can be seen blowing eastward across the Bo Hai Bay and Yellow Sea reaching as far as North and South Korea and the islands of Japan. (NASA)

21. Coal Consumption

22. Mix of Fuels in US

23. US Coal Production

26. Estimated that we have enough reserves for 200-300 years at current production rates. Use may be expanded – Replace aging oil/natural gas/nuclear electric plants – More demand for electrical energy – Alternative uses such as coal gasification.

27. Should the use of coal in America be expanded? 1.Yes 2.No