Energy Sources and Their Impact

Overview of Energy Sources

Types of Energy

• Nonrenewable Resources

  • Resources consumed faster than nature can replenish.
  • Examples: Coal, Oil, Gas.

• Renewable Resources

  • Resources that can be used at their current rate without exhausting supply.
  • Examples: Sun, Wind, Water.

U.S. Household Energy Usage

• 1 Btu (British Thermal Unit) = 1055.06 Joules = 0.000293 kWh
• 1 Quadrillion Btu = 10^15 Btu

Nonrenewable Energy Resources

Petroleum (Oil and Natural Gas)

• Definition: Organic substances derived from the remains of microscopic organisms; primarily hydrocarbons.
• Natural Gas:
  • Predominantly methane.
  • Used for heating, cooking, and electricity.
  • Considered the “cleanest” fossil fuel.
• Oil:
  • Used for energy (heating, gasoline) and lubricants.
  • Measured in barrels (1 barrel = 42 gallons).

Formation of Petroleum

• Conditions for Formation:
  • Source Rock: Organic-rich sedimentary rock formed in anaerobic conditions (black shale).
  • Reservoir Rock: Permeable rocks (sandstone, limestone) that hold oil/gas.
  • Seal: Impermeable rock that traps oil/gas.
  • Oil Trap: Geologic structures allowing accumulation (structural and stratigraphic traps).

Hydraulic Fracturing (Fracking)

• Definition: Method to recover petroleum by injecting fluids to shatter shales and increase permeability.
• Controversies:
  • Water usage, environmental concerns regarding carcinogen release, and community impacts.

Coal

• Definition: Biochemical sedimentary rock formed from compressed plant remains, consisting of >50% carbon.
• Formation: Created in swamps from burial and compaction of plant material over 300-400 million years.
• Reserves: North America holds a significant portion of global coal reserves, particularly in the U.S.

Nuclear Power

• Nuclear Fission: The splitting of a parent atom into two daughter atoms, releasing energy.
• Types of Reactors:
  • Light-Water Reactor: Uses ordinary water to regulate reactions.
  • Breeder Reactor: Converts non-fissionable material into fissionable material.
• Safety & Disposal Concerns:
  • Incidents like Chernobyl have decreased public confidence.
  • Long-term storage challenges for spent fuel rods.

Renewable Energy

• Types:
  • Geothermal Energy: Heat from hot rocks near the Earth's surface.
  • Tidal Power: Energy generated from tidal flows. Can harness energy from high and low tides.
  • Hydroelectric Power: Generated by moving water through turbines.
  • Solar Energy: Energy from the sun used for heating or electricity.
  • Wind Energy: Generated from the movement of air.
  • Biomass Energy: Derived from organic waste materials.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions Comparison

• Coal: 1,001 grams CO2/kWh
• Oil: 840 grams CO2/kWh
• Natural Gas: 486 grams CO2/kWh
• Biomass: 52 grams CO2/kWh
• Wind: 13 grams CO2/kWh

Plate Tectonics & Energy Resources

• Geothermal Energy: Needs heat from volcanic activity/subduction zones.
• Petroleum Formation & Plate Tectonics: Related to the dynamics of plate boundaries (divergent, convergent, and transform).
• Coal Deposits & Plate Tectonics: Modern coal deposits align with ancient swamp locations on Pangea.