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.