Natural Gas
A Non-Renewable Resource
Formation of Natural Gas
Natural Gas is formed in the same manner as Oil. It take HUNDREDS of MILLIONS of years to form natural gas. Dead plants and animals (also known as ORGANIC matter) are buried deep in the Earth's surface. Over time this organic matter is buried deeper and deeper because there are layers of mud and rock that build up on it. As this matter get buried deeper and deeper the temperature rises and there is A LOT of pressure.
The bubbles that are formed in this process is Natural Gas. Let's think of Legos…
With pressure we are able to put Legos together (I push them together). As we build up with Legos that would be the formation of oil. Now as we play with Legos, your little brother or sister take some Legos and then drop them by our tower (oil)… the Legos that are dropped are like Natural Gas.
Characteristics of Natural Gas
- Colorless
- Odorless
- Shapeless
- After it is processed, a rotten egg smell is added to it for safety
Uses of Natural Gas
Stove
Some of you may have gas stove tops while others of you have electric. This is an example of a gas stove which uses Natural Gas.
Furnace
You may have seen one of these in your attic or garage. This is a furnace that uses Natural Gas to heat your home when it is cold.
Gas Fireplace
Many of you probably have one of these in your house. You may even have fake logs which are called gas logs. This type of fire place runs on Natural Gas.