Extremely flammable gas (mostly methane) created by decayed organic matter.
Extremely flammable gas (mostly methane) created by decayed organic matter.
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Where does it come from?
Where does it come from?
300-400 million years ago
300-400 million years ago
Plankton (small plants and animals) and algae living in shallow, warm oceans die and sink to the ocean floor. The lack of oxygen prevents decomposition.
50-150 million years ago
50-150 million years ago
The plankton is buried deeper and deeper beneath the ocean, other dead plants, animals, and sediment (sand, rocks, dirt) creating kerogen. Kerogen is a waxy middle-step material in the creation of natural gas.
50-100 million years ago
50-100 million years ago
The pressure of the building layers of dead materials and sediments and heat between 90-160 degrees Celsius causes the kerogen to turn into natural gas.
50 million years ago-Current
50 million years ago-Current
The natural gas moves throughs the pores in the rocks. The natural gas becomes trapped when it hits an impermeable rock layer.
This process is identical to how oil is formed.
This process is identical to how oil is formed.
Often both natural gas and oil are created from the same grouping of dead plankton.
Higher temperatures (90-160 degrees Celsius) will create more natural gas formation.
How do we get it?
How do we get it?
Giant Drilling Machines
Giant Drilling Machines
When natural gas is found below the ground, giant drills bore a hole to the natural gas. Then the gas is pushed to the surface by changing the pressure underground.
Fracking
Fracking
Gas can be trapped in shale rock, and high pressure water, chemical, and sand mixture is forced underground to create fractures in the rock forcing the gas up the well. This is a controversial method as it may be linked to polluting water sources and increased earthquakes.
What do we use natural gas for around here?
What do we use natural gas for around here?
Many of us have stovetops, driers, and furnaces that run on natural gas
Power companies can make electricity from natural gas
Some local industries use natural gas for power
How does it impact our local environment?
How does it impact our local environment?
Climate Change
Climate Change
The use (burning) of natural gas emits a large amount of carbon dioxide, which contributes to climate change.
Water Pollution
Water Pollution
The collection and transportation of natural gas can lead to the pollution of ground water. This can be harmful for people, plants, and animals that depend on the water for survival.
Fracking
Fracking
In some places around the country companies collect natural gas by fracking. A process of disturbing deep underground with pressure and water to collect all remnants of natural gas trapped. This process is linked to earthquakes, plus water and soil pollution.
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