6.3: Fuel types and uses & 6.4: Distribution of natural energy resources

what is subsistence fuels?

Sources that are easily accessible (can be found and gathered); often used in developing countries as a home heating or cooking fuel

What is peat?

Partially decomposed organic matter found in wet, acidic ecosystems like bogs and moors

• Can be dried and used as a biomass fuel source

What is the order of energy density?

lignite, bituminous, then anthracite

How does coal get turned into electricity?

Coal is burned to heat into steam, to turn a turbine that generates electricity

What is natural gas?

Decaying remains of plants and animals are buried under layers of rock and converted by pressure into oil and natural gas over time

Where is natural gas trapped?

Forms when oil is trapped in a porous, sedimentary rock, underneath a harder, impermeable rock layer that doesn’t let the gas escape

Where is crude oil trapped?

Decaying organic matter trapped under rock layers is compressed into oil over time

How is crude oil extracted?

By drilling a well through the overlying rock layers to reach the underground deposit and then pumping liquid oil out under pressure

What is fractional distillation?

Crude oil is burned in a furnace and vapor passes into a column where different hydrocarbons are separated based on their boiling points

What are different hydrocarbons with petroleum?

Petroleum gas, gasoline, jet fuel, and diesel fuel

How many years are left of coal reserves? Who are the top producers?

100 - 150 years & US, Russia, China, and Australia

How many years are left of natural gas reserves? Who are the top producers?

50 - 60 years & Russia, Iran, Qatar, US, Saudi Arabia

How many years are left of oil reserves? Who are the top producers?

50 years & Venezuela, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Canada, Iraq

What is fracking?

A method of natural gas extraction that has extended access to natural gas

What are tar/oil sands?

Bitumen deposits where crude oil can be recovered, but with higher water and energy inputs