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Coal. A Fossil fuel Colin Martin and Devin Nunnari. Formation- Definition. 286 million years ago dead plants fell to the bottom of swamps. More water and dirt wash in halting decay process. The pressure builds up and forms coal. Coal is a fossil fuel. History.
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Coal A Fossil fuel Colin Martin and Devin Nunnari
Formation- Definition • 286 million years ago dead plants fell to the bottom of swamps. • More water and dirt wash in halting decay process. • The pressure builds up and forms coal. • Coal is a fossil fuel.
History • In 1275 Marco Polo saw the Chinese using coal. • Hopi Indians used coal to bake pottery. • Discovered coal in 1600s. • Humphrey Davy made the safety lamp in 1815. • Coal became popular in the 1800s.
Location- Obtaining • Coal is mined in every continent except Antarctica. • The USA and China mine the most coal in the world. • The USA has the worlds largest coal reserve. • Coal is mined in 33 states. • Surface mining extracts about 70% of coal. • Surface mining can only be used when 200 feet underground.
Advantages • More than half of the mines are near the surface. • Power plants are installing machines called scrubbers because of so many accidents. • Coal produces a lot of power when burned.
Disadvantages • Mines produce an enormous pile of waste. • Coal can form acid rain. • When coal is inhaled dust clogs lungs/airways.
Future Conservation • Coal is a nonrenewable energy source, it takes millions of years to form. • We will have coal last about 260 Years.
Future Technologies • Slurry combined with calcium oxide makes hydrogen gas. • A steam powered super car uses coal for an engine.