Resources for Energy State Objective 4.d.

What are Resources? Natural resources are the parts of the environment that are useful or necessary for the survival of living organisms.

Two Types of Resources Renewable resources are resources that are constantly being recycled or replaced by nature. For example, sunlight, water, and air.

Renewable Resources

Two Types of Resources Nonrenewable resources are resources that are used up more quickly than they are replaced. –Ex. Minerals, metals, & fossil fuels

Nonrenewable Resources

 Most energy used by humans comes from fossil fuels. Energy Use

Fossil Fuels Made of hydrocarbons, compounds that contain carbon and hydrogen atoms. Combustion is the process of burning fossil fuels to release energy. –Carbon dioxide and water are two other products of combustion.

Coal Coal is a sedimentary rock formed from dead plant matter that is buried underwater –Most is used for electrical power plants.

Petroleum (Oil) Petroleum (oil) is a mineral made from the remains of dead marine organisms buried in Earth’s crust. –Provides one-third of world’s energy. –Can be turned into gasoline, diesel fuel, paints, and plastics.

Natural Gas Natural gas is a colorless, odorless gas made mostly of methane –Made mostly of methane but contains other gases. –Often found with oil deposits.

Alternative Energy Sources Why is it important that we find alternatives to fossil fuels? Give at least three reasons.

Alternative Energy Sources  Hydroelectric power is produced when falling water is used to turn the turbine in an electric generator. No pollution is produced but building dams can damage habitats.

Hydroelectric Power

Pickwick Dam

Alternative Energy Sources  Wind power generates electricity by using windmills to turn the blades of a generator.

Alternative Energy Sources  Nuclear energy is released when the nuclei of uranium atoms are split apart.  Energy is used to produce steam to turn the blades of a generator.  Does not produce air pollution but does produce radioactive wastes.

Nuclear Power

Alternative Energy Sources  Geothermal energy is heat energy contained in Earth’s crust.  Used to produce steam to generate electricity.

Geothermal Energy

Alternative Energy Sources  Biomass is a renewable energy source made from living or recently living organisms.  Examples include garbage, wood, wastes, landfill gases.

Biomass

Alternative Energy Sources  Solar energy is the leading alternative to fossil fuels because it is inexhaustible and produces no pollution.  Very expensive.  Photovoltaic cells are devices that convert light energy into electric energy.

Solar Panels

Human Effect on the Environment Pollution

 A pollutant is any substance that contaminates the environment.  Examples of air pollutants include smoke, ash, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide.

Greenhouse Effect  The greenhouse effect is the natural trapping of the Sun’s heat by the Earth’s atmosphere. Gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect include water vapor, carbon dioxide, and methane.

Greenhouse Effect

Global Warming  As more CO 2 is added, the atmosphere traps more heat, causing global warming.

Effects of Global Warming  It changes rainfall patterns.  It may increase the amount of storms and hurricanes.  It could cause the polar ice caps to melt.

Global Warming  Sea-level rise is an increase in sea level that may be caused by global warming.

Ozone Depletion  The ozone layer of the atmosphere absorbs harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the Sun.  Ozone depletion is the thinning of the ozone layer.  Allows more UV radiation to reach Earth and could cause an increase in skin cancer.

CFCs

Effects of Overpopulation  inadequate freshwater  depletion of natural resources  increased pollution  loss of biodiversity or entire ecosystems  global warming  mass extinctions

How Can We Help? Conserving Resources & the Environment

Ways to Conserve Energy  1. Turn off lights when not in use.

Ways to Conserve Energy  2. Car pool or use public transportation.

Ways to Conserve Energy  3. Walk or ride a bicycle.

Ways to Conserve Energy  4. Use energy efficient appliances and bulbs.

Ways to Conserve Energy  5. Research new ways to depend more on alternate energy sources.