natural gas

what is natural gas?

• hydrocarbon

• organic matter decomposes + falls on seabed- transformed into hydrocarbons through thermal reactions and lack of oxygen- rises through permeable rocks and collects in reservoirs

• extracted by digging through sedimentary rock in natural gas reservoirs- creating wells. then brought to surface and transferred by pipeline to where its used

name 2 environmental, practical and economic advantages of extracting natural gas

• environmental: cleaner fuel producing less co2, extraction causes less dmg to environment

• practical: can be used for many purposes, allows precise control and quick results

• economic: cheaper than electrciity, produces competitevely priced electricity

name env, practical and economic disadvantages

• environmental: leakages can cause explosions and fire, ground subsidence and earthquakes caused by pumping of gas/fracking

• practical: odourless- leaks cant be detected unless odorant added

• economic: infrastructure and distribution fairly expensive

explain 2 strategies to increase energy supply

• biomass: created from organic matter- burning dung/plants, producing biofuels from specifically grown crops e.g. sugarcane . BUT: using land for biofuels than food controversial, burning can create unhealthy, smoky conditions, fuelwood supplies limited

• hydroelectricpower: large dams + microdams store enough water to turn turbines + generate electricity, makes up 85% of global renewable energy source BUT: large-scale dams can block fish migrating patterns and are expensive- microdams popular at local level

explain 2 ways we can reduce energy demand

• draught-proofing: sealing gaps in windows to prevent heat leaving house

• loft insulation: insulating loft to prevent heat rising into loft via convection