Energy

Energy Resources
Resources and Reserves



How much is left and how long will it last?
Reserves - deposits that have been discovered that can be 
recovered economically and legally
Resources - the entire amount of a given material that may 
become available for use in the future.


Energy

Nonrenewable - geologic processes produsce the resource(s) : 
coal, oil, gas, metals, etc
Renewable - solar energy, geothermal (?), wind, alcohol
Industrial Revolution - coal based
Hydrocarbons - first well in 1859 - clean, easier to transport



Fossil Fuels

Wood - releases energy by combustion of organic matter 
Photosynthesis - produces organic matter from carbon 
dioxide and water
Oil and Natural Gas  - reducing environment to trap organic 
matter - high rates of sedimnetation favor accumulation


Hydrocarbons


Source
Thermal History : Hydrocarbon Window
Migration - Reservoir
Traps - structural or stratigraphic controlled permeability 
barrier









Coal


Woody Material
Anerobic environment - rapid burial
Thermal History -- Increased temperature concentrates or 
"fixes" the carbon




Alternatives to Fossil Fuels

Nuclear Energy - Uranium
Solar Energy
Hydroelectric Power
Wind
Geothermal