Human Impact on the Lithosphere.
Renewable and Nonrenewable Resources.
Fossil Fuels (Coal, Oil, Natural Gas)
A natural fuel formed in the geological past by matter from living organisms.
Fossil fuels are obtain by drilling or mining into the Earth's crust.
Fossil fuels are mainly used for fuels in cars or other automobiles, but have other uses. (See coal, oil, and natural gas sections.)
Fossil fuels one of the main causes for air and water pollution.
Coal
Nonrenewable.
A black or dark brown rock created by plant matter and found underground.
Coal is obtained by mining underground for it.
Coal is used for things such as generators, steel production, cement manufacturing, and as liquid fuel.
When the coal is burned gases are released. The sulfur in the coal is mixed with the oxygen in the air to form sulfur dioxide which is a major source of air pollution.
Oil
Nonrenewable.
A liquid derived from petroleum and found underground.
Oil is obtained by drilling into the ground in certain areas to certain depths and pumping it out.
Oil is mostly used for fuel or a lubricant.
Oil is used as fuel in cars. As these fuels are used they released gases into the air which, like coal, is a major part in air pollution.
Natural Gas
Nonrenewable.
Flammable gas found underground that consists of methane and other hydrocarbons.
Natural Gas is located with oil underground and is obtained by drilling into the ground like oil.
Natural Gas is used for heating, cooking, electricity generation, and for fuels in cars.
Natural Gas can cause air and water pollution and can affect wildlife. Natural Gas is the fossil fuel with the lowest cause of pollution.
Solar Energy
Radiant energy emitted from the sun.
Solar energy is obtained by solar panels that absorb the rays.
Solar energy is used for heating and electricity in major buildings or even houses.
Solar energy can harm habitats by needing space on land or by putting hazardous materials in water.
Hydroelectric Energy
Energy from kinetic energy in moving water.
Hydroelectric energy is obtain from the kinetic energy in moving water in a dam.
Hydroelectric energy is used by spinning a turbine and creating electricity.
Hydroelectric energy can affect the environment by changing land or water.