(32).EARTH ENERGY AND RESOURCES.

Introduction

How important are natural resources to you?

Look around you. Wherever you happen to be and whatever you are doing, you're using natural resources. Since you're reading this you're probably on a screen attached to some sort of computer, which uses metals, plastics that come from fossil fuels, and many other materials. The computer is powered by electricity, which may come from a nearby coal or nuclear plant or possibly from solar panels on the roof of your house. One thing is certain, modern life requires lots of natural resources!

Chapter Outline

.1. Energy Resources

.2. Obtaining Energy Resources

.3. Energy Conservation

.4. Renewable vs. Nonrenewable Energy Resources

.5. Fossil Fuel Formation

.6. Coal Power

.7. Petroleum Power

.8. Natural Gas Power

.9. Fossil Fuel Reserves

.10. Nuclear Power

.11. Solar Energy

.12. Hydroelectric Power

.13. Wind Energy

.14. Geothermal Energy

.15. Biomass Energy

.16. Materials Humans Use

.17. Finding and Mining Ores

.18. Availability of Natural Resources

.19. Natural Resource Conservation

Summary

Covers human dependency on natural resources for energy and materials.