Abstract This paper devotes time to explaining what fossil fuels are, their history and their uses. Specifically, the paper brings to light two major problems with the continued use of fossil fuels; the peak oil theory that contends that oil depletion has begun and the fact that the burning of fossil fuels cause greenhouse gasses associated with global warming. The paper also looks at fossil fuel alternatives and conservation programs worldwide and in the United States and emphasizes the importance of fossil fuel reduction for our future.
Outline:
Introduction
The Science Behind Fossil Fuels: What Are They
The Science Behind Fossil Fuels: Their History
Fossil Fuels' Uses
Controversy and Concern: Peak Oil and Greenhouse Gasses
Fossil Fuel Alternatives and Conservation Programs: Worldwide
Fossil Fuel Alternative and Conservation Programs: The United States
Conclusion
From the Paper "As fuel prices continue to rise across the world and effects of global warming are already being observed in some degree, the public's need to know about fossil fuels is greater than ever. Most understand that the fuels are non-renewable resources produced during the years of the dinosaurs, but most do not understand the exact debt of their usage and the profound importance of their discontinuation. Fossil fuels were created in a manner so unique that it would be nearly impossible to recreate today. Because they have been around for millions of years, however, people have been using fossil fuels for quite some time, in spite of the fact they are a non-renewable resource. While the use of fossil fuels have a long history, two major problems with the continued use of the fuels exist."
Abstract Fossil fuels are heavily relied upon by the U.S. for energy needs. The three most common forms of fossil fuels are coal, oil, and natural gas. This paper argues that, although fossil fuels are a major source of energy, newer and cleaner forms of energy such as wind, solar, and water are needed if we are to stop the damage being done to the environment and further strengthen the United States' energy security. The paper describes the types of alternative fuels that can be harnessed and how we benefit by using them as well as looks at the problems created by continued dependence on fossil fuels. The paper concludes that by making a strong effort made toward advancing the technologies for developing alternative fuels, lessening fossil fuel use and strengthening US energy security is a very attainable goal.
From the Paper "Currently the most viable of all alternative, renewable energy sources is hydropower. Hydropower is the process of harnessing the flow of water to produce electricity, better known as hydroelectricity. Just like concentrating solar power plants, hydroelectricity power plants turn turbines to generate electricity; the difference is instead of using steam to turn the turbines, falling water is used to turn them (U.S. Geological Survey, 2008). In this process a dam is built on a large river with a large drop in elevation to store the water, providing a mass of potential energy. When electricity is needed the dam releases the water through a passageway, which flows downward, turning a turbine connected to a generator as it flows to an intake river (Childress, 2009). "
Abstract This paper discusses America's ever-increasing consumption of oil and the depletion of fossil fuels, oil, coal and natural gas. The paper presents a resource sustainability plan to aid in the problem of depleting fossil fuels. The paper also discusses the necessity for a plan to reduce the problem of depleting fossil fuels and how such a plan can be implemented. A table of action steps to implement the plan is included in the paper.
From the Paper "The exhaustion of our environment's coal, oil and natural gas resources is a horrifying but inevitable event if we do not change our current way of life. Wind power, hydropower, solar power and biomass fermentation are only some of the alternative fuel sources available to us and the government's researchers are finding other sources every day. After the initial cost of converting to the use of alternative fuel sources the cost is virtually non-existent. Wind, flowing water, the sun's rays are all freely offered from our environment. We simply need to take the initial step towards a change and the benefits will be endless."
Abstract This paper presents a detailed look at the group of fossils in a certain are of the Grand Canyon in the United States. The paper concentrates on the paleontology of these fossils and their uniqueness.
From the Paper "The Grand Canyon Supergroup is a thick sequence of Precambrian strata located in-between overlying Paleozoic rocks and underlying crystalline rocks. This Supergroup is comprised mainly by the Nankoweap Formation and the Chuar Group that include three sub-formations and seven members. These formations, groups, and members still puzzle many geologists and paleontologists for their is no conclusive evidence regarding the Supergroup's formation as well as classifying some of the fossils found there. The 2100 meters of the Grand Canyon Supergroup is still undergoing extensive research and will until all the mysteries surrounding it are solved."
Abstract This study discusses the Pre-Cambrian Period, roughly some two billion years ago, and in particular, fossils that have been found from that time period. The paper discusses three types of fossils that have been left behind -- body, trace and chemical and that these can be readily found within rocks formed during the Archaean and Proterozoic Periods.
From the Paper "During this time, a number of life forms emerged and left behind three types of fossils--body, trace and chemical, which can be readily found within rocks formed during the Archaean and Proterozoic Periods. Some of these fossils are actual cellular remains, something which Donovan admits is extremely rare in rocks of this age. The oldest have been dated as about 3.5 billion years and can be found in cherts from the Warrawoona Group near the North Pole, being northwest of Australia, and in the Onverwacht Group in eastern Transvaal (South Africa)."
A discussion on Fossil Ridge High School, the first school project in Colorado to achieve a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification.
Abstract This paper talks about green and sustainable developments, using Fossil Ridge High School in Colorado as an example. Fossil Ridge High School has received a certification in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and is also the first school project in Colorado that did so. The paper explains the criteria of a LEED designed building and describes the layout of the school. The paper also relates how each space was designed to achieve maximize fuel efficiency and use in each area, as well as an integrated usage that would maximize the green aspect of the project. Additionally, the paper describes the green construction techniques used in the building of the school such as using recyclable materials as well as stormwater for irrigation.
From the Paper "Some of the lessons learned with the completion of this project include the fact that embedded environmental responses in new construction can lower the costs of educating the children of America. The aesthetic value of the building was enhanced rather than denigrated by including the indigenous plants that were also drought resistant. Water usage was down sharply and visitors, students and teachers were all offered the opportunity to learn how these implementations assisted the school system in saving money."
Tags: sustainable developments, energy efficiency, environmental quality, education
Abstract The following paper examines how fossil fuels affect climate and contribute to global warming as well as the way in which acid rain and oil spills affect local wildlife. The writer also discusses the effects of mining waste, farming and pharmaceutical waste.
From the Paper "Fossil fuels have become a major factor in our lives, they are used to power cars, ships, aircraft's and entire economies but at an ecological price. From the combustion of fossil fuels is water and carbon dioxides. This the major waste gases. Others include nitrous oxides, carbon monoxides and sulphur oxides. These contribute vastly to global warming. When the sun radiates electromagnetic radiation through our atmosphere it hits the earth and then the earth reflect this back in the form of longer wavelengths as infra red radiation. "
Abstract This paper examines how both carbon-14 and uranium-238 are used to date fossils and how both methods are based on measuring the decay that has occurred in these elements. It looks at how carbon-14 dating is used for organic material, plants and animals, while uranium-238 is used primarily for geographic formations. It also discusses how both methods of dating are subject to potential sample contamination and, therefore, inaccurate readings; the addition of foreign material in both types of samples can provide either younger or older results, dependent on the material.
From the Paper "Radioactive elements decay at unique rates, dependant on the isotope. This rate of decay is known as half-lives, it is the time necessary for ? of the atoms to decay in a particular element. The decay follows a geometric scale, in that in the first half-life of an element, ? of the atoms decay, yet in the second half-life, ? of those remaining decay, meaning a ? of the original atoms decay, and so forth. By measuring this decay, and knowing the half life of an element, scientists can date a sample."
Abstract This paper examines the impact of underwater fossil fuel extraction and transportation on ocean life. It looks at how several accidents have happened during the ocean transportation of fossil fuels, polluting the surrounding ocean waters ,and killing marine life, and how offshore fossil fuel extraction may also lead to oil spills, polluting the surrounding environment. The paper examines the effect of oil pollution on ocean life from these two perspectives and argues that the environment cannot survive these accidents for long. Solutions are proposed, such as stricter controls on the specification of the ships used to transport fossil fuels and, maybe, the prohibiting of offshore drilling of fossil fuels.
From the Paper "In order to understand the effects of oil pollution in the ocean life and the difficulties in identifying the invisible pollution, the difference between the short term and the long term effects of pollution should be taken into consideration. The short term pollution is the effect of the obvious pollution on the marine environment. One of the most significant examples of the short term pollution is the accident of Exxon Valdez. As Robert H day Et Al biologists say, on the 24th march 1989, the oil transportation tanker Exxon Valdez crashes the Prince William sound area in Alaska and within hours an incredible amount of oil had spilled into the marine environment."
An outline of the responsibilities and research of the renewable energy source ESEP group. In addition to describing the roles and each member of the group, the proposal explains the urgency and significance of perfecting non fossil fuel energy sources.
5,415 words (approx. 21.7 pages), 23 sources, 2001, $ 133.95
Abstract This research discusses the world's current energy crisis. Fossil energy comprises the majority of the world's energy source; however, these fuels pose threats to the environment and do not provide a renewable source of energy. Analysts predict that the world will run out of fossil fuels in forty to fifty years. Due to this impending crisis, experts research and attempt to determine renewable energy sources that meet the world's growing energy needs while considering the technical, environmental, financial, and social impact of these alternatives. This report summarizes four of the most developed renewable energy options that could feasibly replace fossil fuels as a source of energy, including fuel cells, solar power, wind power, and hydroelectric power. Fuel cells use substances such as methanol and oxygen to react and provide energy; however, obtaining a clean, reliable hydrogen source and lowering the cost must precede implementation. Solar power harnesses the sun's thermal with photovoltaic cells to produce electricity; the paper focuses on concentrating solar technologies and the addition research required to employ this alternative fuel source. Wind power uses turbines situated in a field to capture the kinetic energy of the wind; as one of the most frequently used renewable energy resources, this solution may become feasible as prices decrease. Hydropower uses flowing water through a system of turbines and generators to produce vast amounts of clean energy, but its environmental impacts are serious and widespread. All of these renewable energy sources have advantages and disadvantages when it comes to producing energy on a large scale. Some of these factors include cost, efficiency, environmental factors, and political and social factors. The report recommends an increase in research for each of these fields, and concludes that these renewable energy sources will only develop if society as a whole accepts the financial burden that accompanies them. Overall, the financial burden of renewable resources does not compare to the devastating effects that continued fossil energy usage will leave on the environment.
From the Paper "As the global energy crisis worsens, scientists and researchers internationally race to refine and implement renewable energy resources to provide societies basic power needs that do not depend upon the consumption of natural resources. Within the next century, if energy consumers continue to rely on resources such as coal, petroleum, and other fossil fuels at the current rate, society will deplete its fuel reserves, specifically petroleum, to the extent that alternate power sources become necessary to maintain current standards of living based on power sources. Environmentalists, scientists, and the general public target fossil fuel usage as the primary cause for the environment's poor condition; renewable resources will offer an opportunity to prevent and possibly improve damage caused by pollution from power procurement. Globally, consumers are ill-prepared for our inevitable reliance upon renewable energy resources; moreover, developing countries in the process of electrifying their citizens will not have the means to progress in the same energy-technology development cycle and cannot base their tenuous energy dependence on a rapidly waning fuel source. In the absence of fossil fuels, people must rely on new forms of transportation and energy to power our increasingly
technology-based society. Renewable resources, such as fuel cells, solar power, wind power, and hydro power offers an environmentally-savvy alternative to fossil fuels, yet many of these technologies require further research, refinement, and optimization before we can rely upon them as a substitute for fossil fuels in basic power needs (SolarPACES 1). The problem involves ensuring global preparedness when low energy reserves mandate the use of renewable energy resources through proper allocation of renewable energy technology, ethical support from the public and the government, financial flexibility, and environmental sustainability."
This paper examines the resulting effects due to the recent population explosion which include: Hunger, depletion of fossil fuels, pollution and global warming, as well as the various strategies available to halt these same effects.
Abstract The writer of this paper explores the negative effects and consequences due to the recent population explosion which include: Overcrowding, hunger, pollution, deforestation, global warming, crime and the loss of nature's bio diversity. One of the biggest obstacles, due to the increase in the population, is the depletion of the world's fossil fuel resources. The writer stresses the need for stricter environmental guidelines as well as birth rate control regulations. This paper defines the earth's depleting fossil fuel as a broad term for three sources of energy: Petroleum, natural gas and coal. All three were formed millions of years ago during the age of dinosaurs, hence the name fossil fuels. The energy comes from decomposed plant and animal matter. Once these fuels are depleted they cannot be renewed. This paper examines the benefits to the environment in utilizing renewable energy as an alternative to the earth's dwindling fossil fuel reserves. The paper also details various environmentally sound strategies that would aid in preserving the earth's remaining resources.
From the Paper "Fossil fuel is a broad term for three sources of energy: petroleum, natural gas, and coal. All three were formed millions of years ago during the age of dinosaurs-hence the name fossil fuels. The energy comes from decomposed plant and animal matter. Energy Quest, a major educational service on the World Wide Web describes the origin of fossil fuels: When plants and dinosaurs and other ancient creatures died, they decomposed and became buried, layer upon layer under the ground. It took millions of years to form these layers into a hard, black colored rock-like substance called coal; a thick liquid called oil or petroleum, and natural gas. Petroleum and natural gas are extracted from deep deposits below the Earth's surface."
Abstract The paper begins by looking at the fossil fuel problem ? the depletion of these fuels and the pollution associated with these fuels. It also looks at the problem with foreign suppliers of oil - the instability and pressures that are continually placed on political and militarily considerations in those areas. The paper then moves on to valid alternatives for fossil fuel, namely; photovoltaic technology, fuel cell technologies, use of the windmill and hydrogen power. The paper concludes by proposing solutions to the problem of fossil fuel reliance.
From the Paper "America currently relies heavily on oil, natural gas, coal, and other types of non-renewable fuels in order to maintain the energy needed to run America. The American leadership utilizes relationships with many oil-producing countries in order to keep their position of buying and selling the energy needed to suffice the American appetite. A solution to the reliance on fossil fuels must be uncovered in order for America to not be caught in an energy shortage."
Abstract This paper discusses the use of fossil fuel for massive energy generation. It describes the debate over the use of fossil fuels - citing the arguments both for and against their use. It focuses on the reasons why fossil fuel production is important and necessary and describes the benefits of its use. The paper then looks at the environmental concerns regarding the use of coal for electricity production.
From the Paper "Obviously, using any fossil fuel for massive energy generation will be a mixed bag. Developers will always be fighting a battle against environmental destruction, as fossil fuel technologies tend to be highly polluting and contribute to global warming through the production of carbon dioxide. Nonetheless, fossil fuels will be a significant component of the world's energy supply for at least the next few decades as no alternative energy source is currently mature enough to supplant fossil fuel technology. In the end, coal power--if properly utilized in technically advanced gasification plants--has the potential to provide cheap, plentiful power to the world with fewer environmental issues than would have been the case even a few decades ago. New technology makes sustainable coal power a possibility, if not a certainty."
Abstract This paper focuses on the new evolved state of human beings where we are actually questioning our origins and how we came to be. The paper focuses on the different stages in the evolution of man, providing examples of fossil discoveries to show how humans have changed over time.
From the Paper "With our knowledge of geological processes we are now able to determine the biological and cultural development of the species "Homo sapiens", or human beings. A large number of human fossil bones and teeth have been found at various places throughout the world along with tools of stone, bone, and wood. As a result of these discoveries, a picture of human evolution during the past 4 to 5 million years has emerged."
Abstract This paper discusses that, for many years, paleontologists held that the evolution of horses, as evident in the fossil record, was anagenetic, or progressing in a virtually straight, single line of evolution; but more recently paleontologists have found evidence supporting a cladogenetic evolutionary pattern in the Miocene, which created a multiplicity of horse species or "branches" on the evolutionary trunk. The author points out that, as the fossil record yields more and more of its "secrets" to paleontologists through new investigative technologies, the established theories require revision.
Table of Contents
Abstract
Introduction
Discussion
Anagenesis and Cladogenesis
The Emergence of Speciated Branching
Summary and Conclusions
From the Paper "The fossil record of horses (family Equidae) over the past 55 million years is a classic example of macroevolution. North America is the ancestral home of horses and many fossil sites across the continent have been identified as containing abundant remains of ancient members of the family. ... states that any given fossil locality in North America from about 50-55 to 20-25 million years ago, it is usually possible to find 2-4 species of horses that seem to have lived side-by-side. However, from about 20-10 million years ago, the fossil record suggests that horses evolved rapidly, adapting to various environments and ways of life."
