chemistry of the atmosphere - fossil fuels Flashcards
(7 cards)
when were they formed
over millions of years
fossil fuels are….
non-renewable meaning if we use them we will run out
how is coal formed
from the remains of fears and trees
- if this die in marshy wetlands then they will not decompose due to a lack of oxygen or acidic conditions preventing bacteria from carrying out decomposition
- over time the plant remains are covered in sediment and are compressed
- high temperature and pressure creates coal
where is crude oil formed form
plankton which are tiny sea plants and animals
- when these die they settle in mud on the sea bed
- if oxygen is not present then they cannot decompose
- compressed by sediment and creates oil
what is mainly natural gas
the hydrocarbon methane
where do we often find natural gas
near the deposits of oil - formed from plankton in a similar way to crude oil
what do all fossil furls contain
trapped carbon taken in by photosynthesis
