FOSSIL FUELS

NATURAL GAS COAL OIL There are three types of Fossil Fuels which can be used for energy

Millions of years ago, the remains of plants and animals (diatoms) decayed and built up in thick layers. This decayed matter from plants and animals is called organic material — it was once alive. Over time, the sand and silt changed to rock, covered the organic material, and trapped it beneath the rock. Pressure and heat changed some of this organic material into coal, some into oil (petroleum), and some into natural gas — tiny bubbles of odorless gas.

How coal is formed Coal is formed over millions of years by decay of land vegetation. When layers are compacted and heated over time, deposits turned into coal.

How Oil is formed Oil is a liquid fossil fuel that is formed from the remains of marine microorganisms on the sea floor. After millions of years the deposits end up in rock and sediment where oil is trapped in small spaces. It can be extracted by large drilling platforms.

How is natural gas formed An odorless, colorless, gaseous fossil fuel made up of methane and a small percentage of other light hydrocarbons. Natural gas is found naturally underground or produced by gasification of coal. Natural gas is the cleanest burning fossil fuel

COAL Almost 93% of the coal used in the United States is used for generating electricity. Except for a small amount of exports, the rest of the coal is used as a basic energy source in many industries including steel, cement, and paper. Major Uses of Coal:  Electricity- Power plants burn coal to make steam. The steam turns turbines that generate electricity.  Industry- Used in making plastics, tar, synthetic fibers, fertilizers, and medicines.

OIL After crude oil is removed from the ground, it is sent to a refinery by pipeline, ship, or barge. At a refinery, different parts of the crude oil are separated into useable petroleum products. Crude oil is measured in barrels. Major Uses for Oil:  Gasoline, Diesel, Jet Fuel, and Propane  Other uses include Ink, Crayons, Bubble gum, Dishwashing liquids, Deodorant, Eyeglasses, CDs and DVDs, Tires, Ammonia, and Heart valves

NATURAL GAS About 25% of energy used in the United States came from natural gas in Slightly more than half of the homes in the United States use natural gas as their main heating fuel. Major Uses of Natural Gas:  Natural gas is used to produce steel, glass, paper, clothing, brick, electricity.  Some products that use natural gas as a raw material are: paints, fertilizer, plastics, antifreeze, dyes, photographic film, medicines, and explosives.  Also used in homes to fuel stoves, water heaters, clothes dryers, and other household appliances.

GLOBAL USAGE OF FOSSIL FUELS Over a span of about 50 years, fossil fuel usage went from 2000 million tons to over 8000 million tons. That is an increase of over 6000 million tons. This chart only goes to 2003, make a prediction of what you think fossil fuel usage is now. Why do you think it continues to grow?