Untitled Quiz

Energy Resources Overview

• Energy resources are categorized into renewable and non-renewable sources, with fossil fuels being a key non-renewable category.

Fossil Fuels

• Fossil fuels include coal, crude oil, and natural gas, formed from ancient organic matter over millions of years.

Types of Formation of Coal

• Peat: The precursor to coal, formed from decomposed plant material in wet environments, characterized by high moisture content.
• Lignite: A type of soft brown coal, low in carbon and energy content, representing an early stage of coal formation.
• Bituminous: More carbon-dense than lignite, bituminous coal is widely used for electricity generation and steel production.
• Anthracite: The highest grade of coal, with a high carbon content and heating value, used for residential heating and industrial processes.

Crude Oil Formation

• Crude oil is formed from the remains of marine organisms buried under layers of sediment, subjected to heat and pressure over time.
• The process involves the transformation of organic material in an anaerobic environment, leading to the formation of hydrocarbons.
• Reservoirs of crude oil are found in porous rock formations, often associated with natural gas deposits.

Natural Gas Formation

• Natural gas consists primarily of methane and is often found in conjunction with crude oil deposits, formed from similar ancient organic materials.
• The formation occurs at higher temperatures than those of crude oil, leading to a different composition.

Problems with Fossil Fuels

• Fossil fuel extraction and consumption contribute to environmental issues, including air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and climate change.
• The finite nature of fossil fuels raises concerns regarding sustainability and energy security.
• Reliance on fossil fuels can lead to geopolitical tensions and economic vulnerability due to fluctuating oil prices and supply disruptions.