Introduction to Environmental Systems - Energy Resources

Flashcards based on key terms, concepts, and definitions from the lecture on energy resources in environmental systems.

Fossil Fuels

Natural fuels formed from decomposed plants and animals, including oil, natural gas, and coal.

Net Energy Yield

The amount of usable energy obtained from a resource minus the energy used to extract, process, and deliver it.

Petrochemicals

Chemicals derived from crude oil that are used as raw materials to produce products like plastics and medicines.

OPEC

Organization of Oil-Exporting Countries that controls a significant portion of the world's oil supply.

Shale Oil

Oil obtained from shale rock, which has a low net energy yield and extraction can be environmentally harmful.

Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)

Natural gas that is cooled to a liquid state for easy transport, then converted back to gas for distribution.

Hydraulic Fracturing (Fracking)

A method used to extract oil and natural gas from rock formations that can release toxic materials and contaminate groundwater.

Scrubbers

Devices used in coal-burning plants to remove pollutants before emissions leave the smokestacks.

Tar Sands

Sand or clay formations that contain a mix of sand, water, clay, and bitumen (a thick, sticky form of crude oil).

Nuclear Fission

The process of splitting atomic nuclei to release energy, used in nuclear reactors to generate electricity.

Renewable Energy Resources

Energy sources that can be replenished naturally, such as solar, wind, hydropower, and geothermal energy.

Environmental Impact

The effect that a resource or activity has on the environment, including air and water pollution and ecological degradation.