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FOSSIL FUELS III

Learn about coal, a fossil fuel formed from ancient plants, its mining process, environmental impact, and the debate on expanding its use in America. Understand coal's stages of formation and its contribution to energy production amidst environmental concerns.

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FOSSIL FUELS III

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  1. FOSSIL FUELS III Coal

  2. Formed from ancient plants. • Coal beds were prehistoric swamps. • Can be considered to be “stored” solar energy. • Photosynthesis: CO2 + H20 + solar energy  carbohydrates + O2 We can also run the process backwards and burn carbs to get energy, water and carbondioxide.

  3. Normally when a plant dies it decomposes. • If there is not enough Oxygen, it can’t completely decompose, thus we get a slow accumulation of energy. • In a swamp, the bacteria that decompose the plants also use up the Oxygen. • Coal found today formed between 1 and 440 million years ago.

  4. Steps to becoming coal: • Peat • Lignite • Subbituminous • Bituminous • Anthracite • The major difference is the percentage of the coal that is Carbon. Higher Carbon concentration means better quality coal. (in general)

  5. Coal progresses through the stages with increase pressure and temperature.

  6. The largest amount of US coal is Bituminous. • Approximately 1% is Anthracite. (Found in Pennsylvania.) • Many coal veins have a high sulfur content. • Significant contributor to acid rain. • S+O2SO2 • SO2 combines with water in atmosphere to form sulfuric acid. • Limits the use of those coals

  7. Coal Mining • Coal veins can be 1in to 400 ft thick. • Must be at least 2 ft thick to make mining profitable. • According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, mining remains the second most dangerous occupation in America. • Two basic ways to get to it • Tunnels (deep reserves) (40%) • Strip mining (near surface) (60%)

  8. Tunnel Mining

  9. Strip Mining

  10. Mountain Top Removalvideo

  11. Should Mountain Top Removable be allowed in the U.S.? • Yes • No

  12. US Coal Reserves by Type

  13. Coal Reserves Sulfur Content

  14. World Coal Reserves

  15. Coal Production

  16. A thick shroud of haze lingers over China, turning the sky an opaque grey. Beijing, China's capital, is situated under the densest portion of the smog layer. The aerosol pollution can be seen blowing eastward across the Bo Hai Bay and Yellow Sea reaching as far as North and South Korea and the islands of Japan. (NASA)

  17. Coal Consumption

  18. Mix of Fuels in US

  19. US Coal Production

  20. Estimated that we have enough reserves for 200-300 years at current production rates. • Use may be expanded • Replace aging oil/natural gas/nuclear electric plants • More demand for electrical energy • Alternative uses such as coal gasification.

  21. Should the use of coal in America be expanded? • Yes • No

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