Geology week 8 discussion question 2 - Essay Example

Geology Week 8 Discussion Question 2 Geology Week 8 Discussion Question 2 What are fossil fuels? Provide two examples of fossil fuels and describe their uses.Fossil fuels are non-renewable form of natural resources that were apparently made from organic matter ranging from plants, prehistoric animals, or sea organisms and were deemed to be formed within the course of millions of years (ecolife, n.d.). Examples of fossil fuels are oil and coal; where oil could be used for industrial production, transportation, and cooking, to name a few (Economy Watch, 2010).

On the other hand, coal is likewise used for several purposes such as power generation, cooking, cement manufacturing and even steel production (World Coal Association, 2012).2. What are mineral resources? Are these considered to be renewable or nonrenewable resources? Why? Mineral resources are a form of nonrenewable natural resources in the form of rocks from the ground. These are usually coal, copper, iron, lead, natural gas, oil, silver, tin and uranium (Anderson, 2010). These are considered nonrenewable because they could not be easily replenished and would take millions of years to create.3. Explain two major problems associated with the use of fossil fuels.

The two major problems associated with the use of fossil fuels are: (1) potential environmental harm of its by-products such as carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide which are known to be contributory to climate change and global warming; and (2) dangers to human health due to its by-products such as nitrogen oxides which increases preponderance to respiratory illnesses and cardiovascular problems (Sustainable Table, n.d.).ReferencesAnderson, P. (2010, September 23). Mineral Resources: Renewable & Nonrenewable.

Retrieved March 7, 2012, from schoolworkhelper.com: http://schoolworkhelper.net/2010/09/mineral-resources-renewable-nonrenewable/ecolife. (n.d.). Definition of Fossil Fuel. Retrieved March 7, 2012, from http://www.ecolife.com/define/fossil-fuel.htmlEconomy Watch. (2010, April 30). Fossil Fuels. Retrieved March 7, 2012, from http://www.economywatch.com/fossil-fuels/Sustainable Table. (n.d.). Fossil Fuel and Energy Use. Retrieved March 7, 2012, from http://www.sustainabletable.org/issues/energy/World Coal Association. (2012). Uses of Coal.

Retrieved March 7, 2012, from http://www.worldcoal.org/coal/uses-of-coal/