Module 14: Coal

Flashcards created to help review key concepts regarding coal, its extraction methods, and environmental impacts.

Primary Energy

The energy contained in natural resources such as coal, oil, and sunlight.

Secondary Energy

Energy converted from primary sources, like electricity and gasoline.

Energy Return on Investment (EROI)

The ratio of energy obtained from a source to the energy invested in obtaining that energy.

Mountaintop Removal

A coal mining practice where the tops of mountains are blasted off to access coal seams.

Subsurface Mining

Coal mining method that involves accessing coal through narrow shafts.

Acid Mine Drainage

Water that seeps into mines and leaches toxic materials, leading to groundwater contamination.

Coal Dust

Fine particles of coal that can cause health issues, including black lung disease.

Thermal Pollution

Heat released into water bodies from power plants, affecting aquatic ecosystems.

Reclamation

The process of restoring a mining site to a state close to pre-mining conditions.

Environmental Impact Statement

A document outlining the potential environmental effects of federal actions.