Introduction to Environmental Systems - Energy Resources

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to energy resources discussed in the lecture.

Fossil Fuels

Nonrenewable energy sources formed from ancient decomposed plants and animals, including oil, natural gas, and coal.

Crude Oil

A black, gooey mixture of combustible hydrocarbons formed by pressure applied to decayed organic remains.

OPEC

Organization of Oil-Exporting Countries that controls approximately 80% of the world's proven oil reserves.

Tight Oil

Oil extracted from shale rock, which can temporarily reduce dependence on oil imports but has significant environmental impacts.

Net Energy Yield

The amount of energy available from a resource after subtracting the energy needed to extract, process, and deliver it.

Natural Gas

A mixture of gases, primarily methane, used for energy consumption in heating, cooking, and electricity generation.

Hydraulic Fracturing (Fracking)

A method of extracting oil and gas from shale rock that involves injecting high-pressure fluid to create fractures in the rock.

Coal

A solid fossil fuel formed from decaying organic matter, known for being the dirtiest fossil fuel with significant pollution.

Nuclear Power

A low environmental impact energy source that uses nuclear fission to generate electricity but raises concerns over radioactive waste.

Renewable Energy

Energy derived from sources that are replenished naturally, such as solar, wind, hydropower, and biomass.