Chapter 9: Problem 2

If oil and natural gas are formed from once-living organisms, why are they considered to be nonrenewable resources?

Short Answer

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Oil and natural gas are considered nonrenewable resources because their formation takes millions of years, involving the accumulation of dead organisms and their transformation into hydrocarbons under high pressure and temperature conditions. Human consumption depletes these resources at a rate far exceeding their replenishment, making them nonrenewable on a human timescale.

Step by step solution

Understand nonrenewable resources

Nonrenewable resources are those that exist in a finite amount and cannot be replenished on a human timescale once they are depleted. Resources like coal, oil, and natural gas are examples of nonrenewable resources.

Formation of oil and natural gas

Oil and natural gas are formed from the remains of dead plants and animals (mainly marine microorganisms like zooplankton and algae) that accumulated over millions of years under high pressure and temperature conditions. These remains are gradually broken down into simpler compounds and transformed into hydrocarbons, which make up oil and natural gas.

The time-consuming process of formation

The formation of oil and natural gas occurs over millions of years, as the remains of dead organisms accumulate and are subjected to heat, pressure, and geological processes. This long formation process is not in sync with the rapid consumption rates of these resources by humans.

Why are oil and natural gas considered nonrenewable?

Ultimately, oil and natural gas are considered nonrenewable resources because the process of their formation takes millions of years, while human consumption occurs on a much shorter timescale. Consequently, the rate at which these resources are depleted far exceeds the rate at which they can be replenished, making them nonrenewable resources.

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If oil and natural gas are formed from once-living organisms, why are they considered to be nonrenewable resources?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Understand nonrenewable resources

Formation of oil and natural gas

The time-consuming process of formation

Why are oil and natural gas considered nonrenewable?

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