Fossil Fuel Combustion
What is fossil fuel combustion?
The process of burning coal, oil, and natural gas to generate heat and electricity.
Which sphere does fossil fuels come from?
The Geosphere
What gas increases in the atmosphere after fossil fuel combustion?
Carbon dioxide.
What happens to ocean pH when it absorbs extra CO2?
It decreases.
What is one household way to reduce fossil fuel use?
Improve home insulation.
What kind of reaction is fossil fuel combustion?
Exothermic
What process in the biosphere takes in carbon dioxide?
Photosynthesis
What is the main Earth-system issue caused by elevated atmospheric CO2?
Climate change.
What chemistry is altered by extra CO2 in the ocean?
Carbonate chemistry.
What electric technology can replace gas heating in homes?
Heat pumps.
About what share of global energy systems do fossil fuels power?
About 80%.
Which sphere receives carbon dioxide from burning fossil fuels?
The atmosphere.
Name one type of weather change linked to climate change.
Changes in precipitation, extreme heat, or storm intensity.
Which organisms are harmed by lower carbonate ion availability?
Corals and shellfish.
What kind of vehicles are suggested to cut emissions?
Electric vehicles.
What do fossil fuels contain that are burned to produce energy?
Carbon stored in fossils.
What happens to the carbon cycle when fossil fuels are burned?
It speeds up.
What sea-level effect is linked to melting ice?
Sea-level rise.
What marine systems can be disrupted by acidification?
Food webs and fisheries.
What are few renewable energy sources.
Wind and solar energy.
What kind of carbon storage is reduced when fossil fuels are burned?
Long-term geological storage.
Which sphere absorbs a significant amount of extra CO2?
The hydrosphere, especially the ocean.
What effect becomes stronger when more greenhouse gases are added to the atmosphere?
The greenhouse effect.
What kinds of ocean behaviour can be altered by acidification?
Nutrient and oxygen behaviour.
What should be upgraded to support clean electricity?
Power lines.