Fossil Fuels

Describe how fossil fuels form, identifying the original source of materials and the processes and conditions that led to their formation.

Formed from plant and other c-based organisms 

Burning breaks up the stored compounds and send CO2 back into the air

Renewable energy

Comes from sources that naturally replenish (e.g., solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, biomass).

Non-renewable energy

Comes from sources that take millions of years to form and are finite.(fossil fuels)(nuclear)(natural gas)

  Know the approximate percentage of fossil fuels that are used for transportation

20 percent

Outline the life cycle stages of each of the major fossil fuels

 Extraction (Mining or Drilling)

Processing/Refining

Transportation

 Combustion (Use for Energy)

Extraction (Coal)-

Health Cost-

Economic Cost-

Mined from underground or surface mines.

H: high risks of black lung disease and injuries from mine collapses.

E:Mining operations can cause land degradation, requiring costly reclamation efforts.

Extraction(Oil)

Health Cost-

Economic Cost-

Extracted by drilling wells into underground reservoirs.

H:Workers are exposed to toxic chemicals and risk explosions or spills.

E:Oil drilling can lead to ecosystem damage, affecting fisheries and tourism.

Extraction( Natural gas)

Health Cost-

Economic Cost-

Often involves offshore platforms or fracking.

H:Fracking can contaminate drinking water and release air pollutants.

E: Fracking operations may cause earthquakes, leading to infrastructure damage.

Processing/Refining( Coal)

Health Cost-

Economic Cost-

Cleaned and prepared (coal is not clean)

H: Processing releases particulate matter and heavy metals into the air.

E:Coal washing and preparation require large amounts of water and energy.

Processing/Refining( Oil)

Health Cost-

Economic Cost-

 cleaned and prepared 

H:Refineries emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) linked to cancer and asthma.

E: Refineries are expensive to build and maintain, and face regulatory fines.

Processing/Refining(Gas)

Health Cost-

Economic Cost-

Refined

H:Processing plants release methane and other pollutants, contributing to climate and health risks.

E:Gas processing requires complex infrastructure and high operational costs.

Transportation(Coal)

Health Cost-

Economic Cost-

70% by freight 

H: Coal dust from transport can cause respiratory issues in nearby communities.

E: Transporting coal by rail or truck is energy-intensive and costly

Transportation(Oil)
Health Cost-

Economic Cost-

mostly pipelines 

H: Oil spills during transport can cause long-term health effects for cleanup workers and nearby residents.

E:Spills and pipeline leaks result in expensive cleanup and legal liabilities.

Transportation(Gas)

Health Cost-

Economic Cost-

mostly pipelines 

H:Pipeline leaks can lead to explosions and air quality issues.

E: Maintaining pipelines and infrastructure is capital-intensive.

Combustion (Use for Energy)(coal)

Health Cost-

Economic Cost-

Burning

H: Burning coal releases sulfur dioxide, mercury, and particulates, causing heart and lung diseases.

E:Coal-fired power plants face carbon taxes and pollution control costs.

Combustion (Use for Energy)(Oil)

Health Cost-

Economic Cost-

Burning 

H:Oil combustion in vehicles contributes to smog and respiratory illness.

E: Dependence on oil leads to price volatility and geopolitical risks.

Combustion (Use for Energy)(Gas)

Health Cost-

Economic Cost-

Burning

H: Though cleaner than coal or oil, burning gas still emits nitrogen oxides and carbon dioxide.

E: Infrastructure for gas-fired plants and heating systems is costly to upgrade or replace.

Describe the impact of each fossil fuel on carbon dioxide emission

Coal: Highest CO₂ emissions per unit of energy.

Oil:Moderate CO₂ emissions; dominant in transportation.

Natural Gas: Lowest CO₂ emissions among fossil fuels, but methane leaks are a concern.

Describe the purpose of CAFE

Corporate average fuel efficiency)

Established: 1975,

Purpose: Improve fuel efficiency of vehicles to reduce oil consumption.

Ecosystem service and public good that is ultimately protected by CAFE standards?

Regulating as pollutants are lower in air and water.

What is the main source of energy used for transportation in the U.S.?

petroleum

Mountain tops and their ecosystems have been removed to extract what?

Coal

 Distinguish non-renewable from renewable energies and classify fossil fuels.

Renewable energy: Comes from sources that naturally replenish

Non-renewable energy:

Comes from sources that take millions of years to form and are finite.

Name the four main categories of nonrenewable fuel and state which of these are fossil fuels.

(nuclear)(natural gas)(oil)

Name the four main categories of renewable

(e.g., solar, wind, hydro, geothermal)