Energy Resources and Aquifers Quiz
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Questions and Answers

What primarily recharges an aquifer?

  • Surface runoff from rivers
  • Evaporation from lakes
  • Precipitation (correct)
  • Melting glaciers

Which statement about hydropower in Norway is correct?

  • Hydropower is solely dependent on ocean currents.
  • Norway has no reliance on hydropower energy sources.
  • Hydropower plants in Norway utilize groundwater exclusively.
  • Glaciers significantly contribute to the country's hydropower generation. (correct)

What defines the water table in an aquifer?

  • The level at which all pores are fully saturated with water (correct)
  • The level where all pore spaces are filled with air
  • The zone where ground water meets surface water
  • The boundary between the vadose zone and the aquifer

Which zone is above the water table in an aquifer?

<p>Vadose Zone (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary source for surface waters utilized in hydropower?

<p>High to low flow from surface waters (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are fossil fuels primarily composed of?

<p>Hydrogen and carbon (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which process transforms kerogen into oil and gas?

<p>Maturation (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary environment in which organic matter is preserved to form fossil fuels?

<p>Poor oxygen environments (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is kerogen?

<p>Solid organic material before oil generation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What stage of fossil fuel formation follows the rapid burial of organic matter?

<p>Compaction (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following defines reserves in the context of energy resources?

<p>Estimated quantities producible under economic conditions (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of microscopic organisms primarily contribute to the formation of oil and gas?

<p>Plankton (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the source rock primarily composed of that leads to hydrocarbon formation?

<p>Mud (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What primary function does a trap serve in a petroleum system?

<p>Prevention of further migration of petroleum (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of trap is formed by tectonic activity?

<p>Structural trap (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which component is responsible for the generation of petroleum?

<p>Source rock (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What process could lead to a stratigraphic trap?

<p>Erosion and diverse rock formations (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a method used for petroleum and gas exploration?

<p>Geochemical analysis (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does a reservoir rock primarily do in a petroleum system?

<p>Store petroleum within its porous structure (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of petroleum systems, what defines a non-permeable formation?

<p>A trap that prevents migration (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which geological feature is most likely associated with structural traps?

<p>Anticline folds (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a pinch out in terms of stratigraphic traps?

<p>A geological phenomenon that causes reservoir rock to thin out (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does remote sensing play in petroleum exploration?

<p>It utilizes satellite images to understand regional geology (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What occurs during the maturation of the source rock?

<p>Expansion of organic matter. (A), The generation of dead carbon. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes the carbon chain in oil molecules?

<p>Oil molecules can either be chains of 15 to 60 carbon atoms or rings of carbon atoms. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of micro-fracturing in the source rock?

<p>It allows for the escape of petroleum from the source rock. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is the migration of petroleum from the source rock characterized?

<p>Primary migration. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the characteristics of a carrier bed?

<p>It must be porous and permeable. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What defines porosity in a rock?

<p>The void spaces volume relative to the rock volume. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Once petroleum migration occurs, what factor is not involved?

<p>Mechanical alteration of hydrocarbons. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a reservoir primarily composed of?

<p>Sandstone or limestone. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect does temperature increase have on source rock maturation?

<p>Causes the transformation of organic matter to hydrocarbons. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Petroleum migration stops when which condition is met?

<p>Pressure in the source rock is insufficient for continued movement. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does coal rank primarily measure?

<p>The heat content of the coal (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of coal has the highest carbon content?

<p>Anthracite (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What harmful effect is produced by burning coal that contains high sulfur content?

<p>Formation of acid rain (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What unit is used to measure the carbon rank of coal?

<p>British Thermal Unit (BTU) (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a disadvantage of high ash content in coal?

<p>Decreases heat content and creates disposal problems (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where can geothermal energy primarily be found?

<p>Geologically active regions (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of environmental impact does acid rain primarily have?

<p>Harms vegetation and aquatic life (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary source of heat in geothermal energy?

<p>Near-surface magmas or radioactive decay (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the two main components evaluated to determine coal grade?

<p>Sulfur content and ash content (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of energy is primarily derived from water movement?

<p>Tidal energy (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Fossil Fuels

Fuels formed from the remains of ancient organisms, primarily plants and animals, over millions of years.

Hydrocarbons

Chemical compounds primarily composed of hydrogen and carbon atoms. Fossil fuels, such as oil and natural gas, are primarily hydrocarbons.

Plankton

Microscopic organisms that float in water, serving as the basis of the marine food chain. They play a significant role in the formation of oil and gas.

Source Rock

Sedimentary rock containing organic matter that can be transformed into oil and natural gas through heat and pressure.

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Kerogen

Solid, black, complex organic matter found in source rocks. It's a precursor to oil and gas.

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Maturation of Organic Matter

The process by which kerogen is transformed into oil and gas through increasing temperature and pressure over time.

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Oil Shale

Sedimentary rock containing a significant amount of kerogen. It's a potential source of oil.

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Reserves

Estimated quantities of a resource that can be economically extracted with current technology and under current market conditions.

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Petroleum Migration

The movement of oil and gas from source rock to reservoir rock, usually upwards through porous rock layers.

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Petroleum Trap

A geological structure that prevents oil and gas from migrating further, allowing them to accumulate in a reservoir.

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Seal Rock

A non-porous rock layer that prevents the upward migration of oil and gas, trapping them in a reservoir.

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Reservoir Rock

A porous and permeable rock layer that stores oil and gas, allowing for their accumulation.

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Structural Trap

A trap formed by geological structures like folds or faults, causing oil and gas to accumulate.

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Stratigraphic Trap

A trap formed by variations in rock layers, creating a barrier for oil and gas migration.

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Unconformity

A surface of erosion or non-deposition in rock layers, which can trap oil and gas.

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Coal Formation

The process of transforming plant matter into coal through burial, pressure, and heat.

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Petroleum System Components

The essential parts of a petroleum system, including source rock, reservoir rock, and trap, responsible for oil and gas formation and accumulation.

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Petroleum and Gas Exploration

The process of finding oil and gas deposits, involving fieldwork, data analysis, and interpretations.

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What is Petroleum Maturation?

The process where organic matter in source rocks transforms into oil and gas due to increasing temperature and pressure.

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What are the stages of Petroleum Maturation?

Petroleum maturation progresses through stages: immature, oil window, gas window, and overmature.

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What factors influence Petroleum Maturation?

Temperature and depth play a crucial role in determining the stage of maturation. Higher temperature and depth correspond to higher maturation levels.

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What happens to organic matter when overmature?

Overmature organic matter transitions into graphite, a form of carbon with high heat and pressure.

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What is Primary Migration?

The movement of petroleum from the source rock to a permeable carrier bed.

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What are the characteristics of a Carrier Bed?

Carrier beds are porous and permeable, allowing easy petroleum flow.

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What is Porosity?

The space volume in a rock compared to the rock's total volume.

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What is Permeability?

The ability of fluids to move through connected spaces in a rock.

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What is a Reservoir?

A rock formation that stores petroleum, often sandstone or limestone.

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What stops Petroleum Migration?

Petroleum migration stops when it reaches a geological barrier or when it becomes trapped within a reservoir.

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What is a water table?

The water table is the upper level of an aquifer where all pores are completely saturated with water. It is the starting line of an aquifer.

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What is an aquifer?

An aquifer is a layer of underground rock or sediment that can store and transmit groundwater. It acts as a water reservoir.

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How is an aquifer recharged?

Aquifers are typically recharged by precipitation, where rainwater seeps into the ground and replenishes the stored water.

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What are the outputs of an aquifer?

An aquifer can lose water through evaporation, springs, and other intersections with the surface.

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What is the vadose zone?

The vadose zone, also called the aeration zone, is the area above the water table that is saturated with air and water.

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Coal Quality

The measure of a coal sample's heat content (BTU) and purity, including sulfur and ash content.

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Coal Rank

A measure of the heat content of coal, determined by its carbon content. Higher carbon content means higher heat content, making it a better rank.

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British Thermal Unit (BTU)

A unit of energy used to measure the heat content of coal. Higher BTU indicates more energy stored in the coal.

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Coal Grade

A measure of the purity of coal, assessed based on the levels of sulfur and ash.

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Sulfur in Coal

A major impurity in coal, causing air pollution and contributing to acid rain.

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Ash in Coal

Non-combustible material in coal, reducing its heat content and creating disposal problems.

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Geothermal Energy

Energy harnessed from the Earth's internal heat, often found in volcanically active areas or where radioactive decay generates heat.

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Geothermal Energy Sources

Geothermal energy can be sourced from areas with active volcanism or from radioactive decay, both producing heat inside the Earth.

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Hydropower (Water Energy)

Renewable energy generated from the flow of water, primarily through dams that harness the potential energy of falling water.

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Renewable Energy Sources

Energy sources that are naturally replenished over time, such as solar, wind, geothermal, and hydropower.

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Study Notes

Earth's Natural Resources - Session 1

  • Resources are known or hypothetical concentrations that can be developed as energy sources
  • Reserves are estimated quantities of resources that engineering or geological analysis shows are producible under current economic conditions
  • In 2018, the world electricity generation came from Coal (38%), Oil (23%), Gas (23%), nuclear (10%), Other (3%), Renewable Energy (10%).

Energy Sources

  • Coal, Oil, and Gas are fossil fuels formed from organic matter.
  • Plankton (tiny organisms) are the primary agents in oil and gas formation.
  • For coal formation, plants are the major source of decomposed organic material.
  • Oil and gas formation requires sufficient organic matter accumulation, rapid burial, compaction, and sufficient temperature and pressure.

Fossil Fuel Formation

  • Sufficient quantities of organic matter must accumulate.
  • Rapid burial of organic matter in environments with poor oxygen (like mud) preserves organic matter.
  • Compaction.
  • Temperature and pressure.

Kerogen

  • Organic matter buried in source rock transforms into solid, black, complex material called kerogen
  • Kerogen transforms into oil and gas as temperature and depth increase

Oil and Gas (Petroleum) Source Rock

  • The change of organic matter in the source rock regarding temperature and depth varies production of biogenic gas, immature kerogen, oil, mature oil and gas, mainly gas, mature gas, and dead carbon(graphite).

Oil and Gas Comparison

  • Gas molecules are smaller than oil molecules.
  • Gas is only in chain form (1-4 carbon atoms).
  • Oil molecules are larger and complex than gas molecules.
  • Oil molecules are in chain form (15-60 carbon atoms) and ring form.

Petroleum Maturation

  • Great pressure during petroleum formation causes organic matter expansion, compaction, clay dehydration, and overburden pressure
  • Petroleum is squeezed from source rocks through micro-fracturing.
  • The movement from source rock to a permeable reservoir bed is called primary migration.

Carrier Bed Characteristics

  • Porous carrier beds have void spaces (porosity) compared to the total volume of the rock
  • Permeable beds have interconnected void spaces that facilitate fluid flow (permeability)

Carrier Bed = Reservoir

  • The carrier bed is often called reservoir, the storage of petroleum
  • Reservoirs can be sandstone, limestone

Petroleum Migration Stops

  • Secondary migration can occur through carrier beds only if no barrier stops it.
  • A barrier (trap) is a non-permeable formation that halts petroleum movement.

Traps

  • Traps are areas where oil and gas accumulate.
  • Traps are typically porous reservoirs covered by an impermeable seal.
  • Traps are classified as structural and stratigraphic.

Trap Types

  • Structural traps: formed via tectonics (earth movements) like folds (anticlines) and faults.
  • Stratigraphic traps: formed due to variations in the sedimentary layers like pinchouts, unconformities.

Petroleum System Components

  • Source rock: (e.g., oil shale) generates petroleum.
  • Reservoir rock (carrier porous bed): stores petroleum.
  • Trap (seal, cap rock): accumulates petroleum and prevents further migration.

Petroleum and Gas Exploration

  • Field studies involve rock sampling of outcrops and their analysis
  • Aerial photography involves acquiring aerial imagery
  • Remote sensing uses satellite imagery to understand regional geology.
  • Topographic maps depict elevation data
  • Data compilation integrates data from the previous steps into a map

Coal

  • Coal is a sedimentary rock derived from plant textures.
  • Formation requires sufficient quantity of plant material, burial, preservation, and temperature and pressure.

Coal Quality

  • Heat content and impurities affect coal quality
  • Quality is evaluated based on heat content and impurities
  • Rank: measures heat content (related to % carbon); Measured in British Thermal Units(BTU)
  • Grade: measures the purity of coal, focusing on sulfur content and ash content (non-combustible material).

Renewable Energy Sources

  • Examples: Solar, wind, tidal, geothermal, hydropower
  • Geologists focus on geothermal and hydropower, which use earth's heat or water movement.

Geothermal Energy

  • Found in geologically active areas (usually volcanic)
  • Earths near-surface magmas supply heat to the surface
  • Heated ground water can produce steam, used for generating electricity.
  • Also occurs from Radioactive decay

Hydropower

  • A source of energy based on surface water flow from higher to lower elevations.
  • Rivers commonly have higher flow rate in their upper reaches.
  • Glaciers melting from mountain regions can also provide energy.
  • Norway efficiently uses hydropower (nearly all energy needs)

Water Systems in Nature

  • Most fresh water is underground.
  • An aquifer is a water reservoir.
  • Aquifers are recharged primarily by precipitation.
  • Aquifers may lose water through evaporation, springs, or flow to surface water bodies.
  • The water table is the level at which all pores are fully saturated with water
  • Vadose: zone above water table, is saturated with air and water

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Planet Earth Course (GEOL 110) - Chapter 4: Earth's Natural Resources PDF

Description

Test your knowledge on aquifers, hydropower, and fossil fuel formation with this comprehensive quiz. Questions cover various aspects, including the recharging of aquifers and the processes involved in fossil fuel creation. Ideal for students studying environmental science or energy resources.

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