Questions and Answers
What is the first stage of coal formation?
Which term describes the process where kerogen transforms into hydrocarbons?
At what temperature does kerogen begin to release hydrocarbons?
Which fossil fuel is primarily derived from microscopic aquatic organisms?
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What is the primary component of natural gas?
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Which energy source is obtained through geothermal energy methods?
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What depth interval is referred to as the 'gas window'?
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Which of the following energy sources primarily impacts the environment through air pollution?
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What is the primary method of harnessing geothermal energy for electricity generation?
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Which component of the Earth's structure directly contributes to geothermal energy production?
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What is one primary advantage of using hydroelectric energy over fossil fuels?
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At what temperature can electricity typically start to be generated from geothermal resources?
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Which of the following is NOT a method to harness geothermal energy?
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What environmental impact is often associated with large-scale geothermal power plants?
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Which process primarily describes how geothermal energy is converted for heating and cooling purposes?
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How does the temperature of water change at depths ranging from 12 to 40 feet below the Earth's surface?
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What is the primary energy source derived from the remains of living organisms from previous geologic eras?
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What natural process primarily contributes to the formation of fossil fuels?
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Which coal type represents the highest quality and undergoes metamorphosis from lignite?
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In coal-fired power plants, what is primarily produced to drive the turbines for electricity generation?
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Which of the following elements is NOT primarily found in fossil fuels?
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What is the intermediate stage of coal that forms from peat under pressure and heat?
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What conditions are necessary for the formation of fossil fuels to occur?
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Which layer of coal represents the first transformation from peat?
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Study Notes
Coalification
- Geological process transforming organic materials into carbon-rich substances over stages.
- Stages: peat, lignite, bitumen, and anthracite.
- Moderate temperatures (~500 K) and high pressure are critical in the transformation.
Petroleum
- Derived from Latin: petra (rock) and oleum (oil).
- Composed of complex hydrocarbons, found in geological formations beneath Earth's surface.
- Originates from microscopic aquatic organisms such as algae and plankton.
- Organic matter transforms into kerogen, then into hydrocarbons (catagenesis).
Hydrocarbon Formation
- At 2,000 meters depth and 100°C, kerogen releases hydrocarbons, entering the oil window (2,000-3,800 meters).
- Production of liquid hydrocarbons peaks between 3,800 and 5,000 meters, transitioning to methane gas known as the gas window.
Geothermal Energy
- Means "heat from the earth" (from Greek geo (earth) and therme (heat)).
- Heat from Earth's core is sufficient to melt rocks, creating magma.
- Hot water and steam are generated when magma heats surrounding rocks and groundwater.
Applications of Geothermal Energy
- Two primary uses: electricity generation and heating/cooling.
- Harnessed by geothermal power plants and geothermal heat pumps.
- Geothermal power plants generate electricity when temperature exceeds 120°C by utilizing steam from geothermal reservoirs.
Types of Geothermal Power Plants
- Utilizes steam produced from geothermal reservoirs to generate electricity.
- Example: Bac-Man Geothermal Power Plant (Bicol region) and Energy Development Corporation Geothermal Power Plant (Leyte).
Hydroelectric Energy
- Renewable energy using flowing water to generate electricity.
- Fossil fuels are primary global energy sources, originating from the remains of living organisms.
Fossil Fuel Formation
- Formed through anaerobic decomposition of dead organisms (mostly plants) over geologic time.
- Composed mainly of carbon and hydrogen, with traces of sulfur, nitrogen, oxygen, and minerals.
Coal as Fossil Fuel
- Black combustible rock composed of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and variable sulfur.
- Extracted through mining; used for heating, industrial processes, or electricity in power plants.
- Process includes burning coal to create steam that drives turbines for electricity generation (e.g., Masinloc Power Plant).
The Evolution of Coal
- Organic matter (peat) accumulates in oxygen-poor conditions, evolving under pressure and heat.
- Transformation sequence: peat → lignite → sub-bituminous → bituminous → anthracite.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the coalification process, which describes the transformation of organic materials into coal through various geological stages. This quiz covers the four stages of coal formation: peat, lignite, bitumen, and anthracite, alongside the basics of petroleum origin. Explore the factors involved in this fascinating geological phenomenon.
