4.3 Fossil Fuels & Energy in Utah

Around the world, what energy source is used to generate the majority of our electricity?

• Burning coal

• Burning oil

• Water & river with dams

• Solar panels

How long does it take for coal to form?

• 10 years

• 10,000 years

• 100,000 years

• more than 1,000,000 of years

When was the Carboniferous Period? ("Ma" means mega annum or millions of years ago)

• 358 Ma - 298 Ma

• 90 Ma - 60 Ma

• 565 Ma - 499 Ma

• 1.7 Ma to 1.1 Ma

Which of the following was NOT a characteristic of the Earth during the Carboniferous?

• Pangea was assembled and close to the equator.

• Earth's climate was warm. There were lots of forests and swamps.

• Humans were the dominant species.

• "Woody" trees are emerging for the first time.

What caused the end of the Carboniferous Period?

• Since the Earth had so many forests, CO2 levels were very low. A reverse greenhouse effect occurred and the planet went into an ice age.

• Since the Earth had so many forests, oxygen levels were so high which blocked the sun. The planet cooled as an effect.

• Since the Earth was covered in swamps, the climate got too hot and warm. This overheating effect caused the end of the Carboniferous.

What type of rock is coal?

• A sedimentary rock

• An igneous rock

• It is not actually a rock.

What is the minimum percent of carbon content required for a rock to be classified as coal?

• 100%

• 20%

• 50%

• 95%

Even though the majority of the Earth's coal formed during the Carboniferous, during which time period did coal form in Utah?

• The Jurassic Period (150 Ma)

• The Cretaceous Period (90 Ma)

• The Permian Period (250 Ma)

• The Silurian Period

  (420 Ma)

What was Utah like 90 million years ago? ******Select 2 options that are correct. (2 options are FALSE)

• The eastern side of Utah had an inland sea that had many swamps.

• The climate of Utah was suitable for swamps and forests.

• Utah was a vast desert. Deserts often have fossil fuels....think about the Middle East.

• The Great Salt Lake was much more salty. Saltier water causes more coal formation.

What is peat? Why is it important for coal formation?

• Peat is composed of almost 100% carbon. It is important because it burns very well.

• Peat is a solid rock that has been formed over millions of years. This is what we mine here in Utah.

• Peat is a blackish rock that is less dense. It is about 65% carbon.

• Peat is simply plant matter. This accumulates in a wetland or swamp. Peat is the first step in coal formation.