Central Washington UniversityGEOL 108G108 Fossil Fuels EnergyRODDA

Document Content and Description Below

In this lab you will: Explore the connection between society and its use of energy resources. In particular, you will examine how these resources are used and some of the associated environmental is... sues. Background Reading and Needed Supplies Prior to doing this exercise you should read the material listed in the Canvas Modules Energy: Fossil Fuels and Energy: Alternative Sources. You will need a calculator and ruler to complete this worksheet. Part I – Coal Geology Recall from the textbook that coal is a sedimentary rock that originates from decaying plant matter found in swamps. As illustrated the figure below, the buried organic matter first becomes peat, and is then transformed in coal as the peat becomes more deeply buried. As the temperature and pressure of burial increase, the coal becomes more concentrated in carbon, hence gives off more heat when burned. Grade refers to the amount of heat that a particular coal gives off. Lastly, note that because oxygen levels within swamps are typically low, heavy metals tend to bond with sulfur atoms, forming various sulfide minerals that end up in coal. Coal originates from decaying plant material in swamps. Deep burial causes the organic matter to be transformed into coal [Show More]

Last updated: 1 year ago

Preview 1 out of 13 pages