non conventional energy sources notes pdf

The carbon in fossil fuels has been sequestered, or stored, underground for millions of years. Carbon dioxide is a gas that keeps heat in Earth’s atmosphere, a process called the “ greenhouse effect.” The greenhouse effect is necessary to life on Earth, but relies on a balanced carbon budget. When fossil fuels are combusted (heated), they release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Burning fossil fuels also upsets Earth’s “ carbon budget,” which balances the carbon in the ocean, earth, and air. Some of these particles are caught and set aside, but many of them are released into the air. When coal and oil are burned, they release particles that can pollute the air, water, and land. However, burning fossil fuels is harmful for the environment. They can also be stored, piped, or shipped anywhere in the world. They are relatively inexpensive to extract. Advantages and DisadvantagesFossil fuels are a valuable source of energy.

Today, there are huge underground pockets (called reservoirs) of these non-renewable sources of energy all over the world. In this environment, the plant and animal remains eventually turned into fossil fuels (coal, natural gas, and petroleum). Rocks and other sediment piled on top of them, creating high heat and pressure underground. Over time, the dead plants were crushed under the seabed.

There was energy stored in the plants and animals when they died. When they died, the organisms drifted to the bottom of the sea or lake. They absorbed sunlight and created energy through photosynthesis. It was covered with wide, shallow seas and swampy forests. Plants, algae, and plankton grew in these ancient wetlands. Hundreds of millions of years ago, even before the dinosaurs, Earth had a different landscape. All fossil fuels formed in a similar way. For this reason, the time period that fossil fuels formed (about 360-300 million years ago) is called the Carboniferous Period. Carbon is the main element in fossil fuels. Most non- renewable energy sources are fossil fuels: coal, petroleum, and natural gas. Non-renewable energy comes from sources that will run out or will not be replenished in our lifetimes-or even in many, many lifetimes.

Non conventional energy sources notes pdf