Chapter 12 Flashcards
What is the source of the organic material in oil and how is it turned into oil?
Ancient plankton, including algae, that lived in shallow seas are the source material for oil. When the remains of these organisms are buried to depth beneath the surface along with surrounding muddy sediment, they form organic- rich black shale known as source rocks. At depth, these source rocks are subjected to heat, at first converting some of the organic matter to kerogen, and then, through a critical range of temperatures (the “oil window”) to oil (more formally known as petroleum
here is most of the world’s oil found? At present rates of consumption, how long will oil supplies last?
The majority of oil is found in the Persian Gulf region of the Middle East. Estimates as to how long we will be able to utilize oil as a major energy resource are varied but are centered around 100 years.
What determines the rank of coal?
Ranks of coal differ in their carbon and volatile content, with higher ranks having more carbon and less volatile matter. Heat and pressure during burial burn-off volatile matter, leaving a more carbon-rich deposit.
What are some of the drawbacks of nuclear energy?
fuel becoming too hot and melting through some of the architecture of the power plant and the difficulties associated with nuclear waste are the primary drawbacks of nuclear energy
What is geothermal energy? What limits its use?
Geothermal energy is the internal heat of the Earth. There are few places on Earth where hot groundwater rises naturally to sufficiently shallow depths so that its heat can be readily exploited.
What is the likely future of hydrocarbon production and use in the twenty- first century?
Over the course of the century the rate of oil production is expected to drop, its price will undoubtedly go up, and alternative sources of energy will have to be exploited.
Will the supply of mineral resources run out? Can a country survive without importing minerals?
Mineral resources are produced at very slow geological rates; they are nonrenewable and will run out within a finite number of years. The number of years left varies considerably from resource to resource. No nation on Earth can supply all of its own mineral needs.
What are some environmental hazards of mining?
Mining creates holes in the surface with associated tailing piles; mine waste may react with water to produce acid runoff. The chemical treatment of ore at smelters also causes pollution.
Do you think it would make sense for an oil company to drill for oil in a locality where beds of anthracite occur in the stratigraphic sequence?
No. Anthracite forms at high temperatures above those of the oil window. Any oil that was present in these rocks in the past has been cooked off.
What are the fundamental sources of energy?
Nuclear fusion in the Sun. The pull of gravity. Nuclear fission reactions. Energy in the interior of the Earth. Energy stored in chemical bonds
oil window
The narrow range of temperatures under which oil can form in a source rock
hydrocarbon
A chain-like or ring-like molecule made of hydrogen and carbon atoms. petroleum and natural gas are hydrocarbons
reservoir rock
Rock with high porosity and permeability, so it can contain an abundant amount of easily accessible oil
trap
In the context of hydrocarbons, a trap is a geologic configuration that accumulates and holds oil underground
hydrocarbon generation
Process where black shale resides in the oil window and the organic material within transforms into kerogen, then into oil and gas
