Chapter 19: Fossil Fuels, Their Impacts, and Energy Conservation
Part I: Intro to fossil fuels, specifically coal and natural gas.
Answer/Outline these points in your notes.

Summarize the controversy surrounding the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in
Alaska.

List sources of energy that we use. Label as renewable and non-renewable.

How have fossil fuels been created? (and don’t say by fossils!)

Who are the world’s largest producers of oil? Largest consumers?

Compare & contrast subsurface mining with surface (strip) mining. What are
their environmental & economic pros and cons?

How is coal classified? Which type is the most valuable, in terms of energy
content? Least valuable?

Essentially, what is natural gas?

How is biogenic natural gas formed? What are some sources?

How is thermogenic natural gas formed?

What are some common problems associated with natural gas production?

Who is the largest producer of natural gas? Where does the US stand? How
about in terms of use?
Chapter 19: Fossil Fuels, Their Impacts, and Energy Conservation
Part II: Oil and Oil Alternatives.
Answer/Outline these points in your notes.
1. What is crude oil and how was it formed?
2. How much oil is believed to be in the ANWR? How long will that last at current
US consumption rates?
3. What is cracking and how is it done?
4. What products are derived from crude oil?
5. What is Hubbert’s peak? Why do many experts think we are about to pass the
global production peak for oil?
6. What consequences are expected for our society if oil availability declines
without a rapid transition to renewable energy?
7. Explain what these alternative fossil fuel sources are, as well as the pros and
cons of each:
a. Tar Sands (oil sands)
b. Oil Shale
c. Methane Hydrate
8. What are the consequences of putting these compounds/elements into the
atmosphere through fossil fuel consumption?
a. CO2
b. Mercury
c. SOx and NOx
d. Hydrocarbons (benzene, toluene)
9. What are 3 environmental impacts of oil drilling & gas extraction in general, and
specifically in ANWR? What are the benefits to drilling in ANWR?
10. What caused the oil embargo of 1973? How did the US respond?
11. Define CAFE standards.
12. Describe two main approaches to energy conservation, and give specific
examples of each.