Fossil Fuels
By Nicoll Juanes
The History of Fossil Fuels
Since the Industrial Revolution vast amounts of fossil fuels have been used. They seemed to be the ideal energy source. Not only was a seemingly inexhaustible supply of coal available from easily exploited seams near the surface,but it could be used in its natural form.
How They are Formed
Fossil fuels are formed from remains of plants and animals. Subjected to immense pressure and heat deep within the Earth over millions of years. Fossil Fuels get their energy from the sun. The plants that turned into fossils stored energy by photosynthesis.
Some of the top fossil fuels
Oil
Oil comes from crude oil, which is a mix of hydrocarbons with some oxygen, nitrogen,and sulfur impurities. Most of the oil used in the United States is in transportation.
Coal
Coal consists mostly of carbon. In the United States, coal is used to generate more then half of all the electricity produced. The United States is one of the top exporters of coal in the world.
Natural Gas
Natural gas is the gas component of coal and oil formation. It is used in industrial and commercial heating and cooking. In a compressed form natural gas can also be used as a transportation fuel. Texas, Louisiana, Alaska, New Mexico, and Oklahoma hold more than 85 percent of U.S. Natural gas reserves.
How Does it Work
Burn fuel -> Heat water to make steam -> scream turns turbines -> turbines turn generators -> electrical power sent around country
Effects
Fossil fuels are the largest greenhouse gas emitters in the world, contributing 3/4 of all carbon, methane and other greenhouse gas emissions. Burning coal, petroleum and other fossil fuels at extremely high temperatures is the primary means by which electricity is produced, but also leads to heavy concentrations of pollutants in our air and water.
The Clean Air Act of 1970
The Clean Air Act of 1970 helped us make advances in protecting our environment. Oil refineries had to reduce emissions and new technologies have been developed.