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California Geology - 3. Energy California’s major energy sources include: Oil Natural gas Geothermal Wind Tidal Soil All are a result of geologic processes that occur deep beneath the surface. Oil and Natural Gas. About 15% of US production of oil comes from CA.
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California Geology - 3 Energy California’s major energy sources include: Oil Natural gas Geothermal Wind Tidal Soil All are a result of geologic processes that occur deep beneath the surface.
Oil and Natural Gas • About 15% of US production of oil comes from CA. • Oil is found in 18 of 58 counties in CA • Oil to gasoline to cars, planes, trains, boats, etc. • Natural gas forms along with oil and is actually a mixture of several gases including methane • Natural gas is less dense than oil so it rises to the top and is tapped into.
Oil and gas • Organic matter formed by organisms that die and become buried by sediment on ocean floor. • Used for heating buildings, cooking food, drying clothes, heating water, etc.
Geothermal • Usually found in volcanic areas of CA • Geothermal field is an area where magma is close to surface therefore heats ground water. • Wells are drilled into the rock under the surface; the steam powers the turbines used to generate electricity which in turn heats buildings.
Wind, tidal, and solar • All transfer into energy and can be used to heat, cook, light, do, etc.
Soil • Of the Sierras • Of the Coast Ranges and Cascades • Of the valley • Of the deserts • All used to grow food. Valley soils are richer in nutrient content having washed away from mountain regions
Soil • Different foods are grown in different locations depending on what nutrients are needed to grow food. • Grapes, citrus, veggies, cotton, alfalfa, nuts, etc….
How do these major economic resources relate to California’s geology? • Minerals – Califonia’s unique tectonic activity has produced many different minerals. • Energy • Oil and natural gas are abundant since the uplift of the sierra Nevada’s increased the weathering in CA and quickly buried organic material that has lead to the production of petroleum products. • Geothermal energy is available because of the igneous activity (Mammoth and the subuctionzone of the Juan de Fuca plate)
How do these major economic resources relate to California’s geology? • Solar Energy is available because CA is sunny more often than cloudy. • Wind is abundant due to the wind being trapped blowing over the mountain ranges. • Tidal currents occur in the ocean and Ca is next to the ocean. • Soil again the uplift of the Sierra Nevada and the coastal range has deposited soils perfect for growing plants.