Fossil Fuels

Energy Needs;

Historically: Biomass (e.g. Wood for cooking, heating.)
Currently: Fossil Fuels (e.g. Coal, Oil, Gas for electricity, cars, factories, technology)

Carbon Cycle

Carbon is taken out of the atmosphere and used to make organic compounds through photosynthesis. When plants decay, or are eaten (Respiration) CO₂ is released back into the air. If plant matter is buried before it can decay, then it can form hydrocarbons.

Hydrocarbons

1. Coal
   

   Peat from bogs on land is buried and compressed into bituminous coal. Further heat and compression will metamorphose bituminous coal into anthracite which is a much more energy concentrated rock.
   
   Coal contains sulfur and when burned, releases SO₂, which forms acid rain and sulfuric acid.

2. Oil & Gas
   

   Algae and bacteria matter in the ocean is buried and metamorphosed through pressure and temperature
   
   These hydrocarbons are stored in the pore paces of sandstone, and migrate upwards due to their lower density, until they become trapped under a non-permeable layer.

Negative Impacts

1. Dependence on fossil fuels creates economic & military vulnerability.
   
2. Global warming due to release of CO₂ when fossil fuels are burned.
   
3. Acid deposition and Pollution (e.g. SO₂, CO₂, NO₂)

Alternatives

1. Conservation: Energy efficient appliances, buildings, public transport, walking, Reduce, Reuse Recycle, etc.
2. Alternative Energy: Wind, Geothermal, Solar, Hydro, Biomass