6.4: Distribution of natural energy resources Flashcards
What is fracking?
Also known as hydraulic fracturing, gas trapped in semi-permeable, sedimentary rock layers, such as shale, is released by cracking the rock with pressurized water. It extends the reserve of natural gas.
What is Bitumen?
A semi solid form of petroleum
World’s largest oil sands
Alberta region, Canada
What do tar sands do?
They extend reserves of oil
How to extract oil
Drilling a well through overlying rock layers to reach the underground deposits and pumping liquid oil out under pressure; can also be recovered from tar sands
Fractional Distillation
Crude oil burned in furnace and vapor passes into a column where different hydrocarbons are separated by their boiling points