COALA Fossil fuel

Colin Martin and Devin Nunnari

Formation- Definition 286 million years ago dead plants fell to

the bottom of swamps. More water and dirt wash in halting

decay process. The pressure builds up and forms coal. Coal is a fossil fuel.

History

In 1275 Marco Polo saw the Chinese using coal.

Hopi Indians used coal to bake pottery. Discovered coal in 1600s. Humphrey Davy made the safety lamp in

1815. Coal became popular in the 1800s.

Location- Obtaining

Coal is mined in every continent except Antarctica.

The USA and China mine the most coal in the world.

The USA has the worlds largest coal reserve.

Coal is mined in 33 states. Surface mining extracts about 70% of coal. Surface mining can only be used when 200

feet underground.

Advantages

More than half of the mines are near the surface.

Power plants are installing machines called scrubbers because of so many accidents.

Coal produces a lot of power when burned.

Disadvantages

Mines produce an enormous pile of waste.

Coal can form acid rain. When coal is inhaled dust clogs

lungs/airways.

Future Conservation

Coal is a nonrenewable energy source, it takes millions of years to form.

We will have coal last about 260 Years.

Future Technologies

Slurry combined with calcium oxide makes hydrogen gas.

A steam powered super car uses coal for an engine.