Natural Gas
Key Notes :
What is Natural Gas?
- Definition: Natural gas is a fossil fuel found deep beneath the Earth’s surface. It is primarily composed of methane (CH₄), but it also contains other hydrocarbons such as ethane, propane, and butane.
- Formation: Natural gas forms over millions of years from the remains of plants and animals that were buried under layers of sediment. Heat and pressure over time turn these remains into fossil fuels.
Sources of Natural Gas
- Gas Fields: Natural gas is found in large deposits called gas fields, which are often located deep underground.
- Associated with Oil: Sometimes, natural gas is found alongside crude oil in oil fields.
- Shale Gas: Natural gas can also be trapped in shale rock formations, known as shale gas, which is extracted using hydraulic fracturing (fracking).
Extraction of Natural Gas
- Drilling: Natural gas is extracted from underground reservoirs by drilling wells.
- Hydraulic Fracturing: In some cases, hydraulic fracturing (fracking) is used to extract gas trapped in shale rock.
Uses of Natural Gas
- Energy Production: Natural gas is used in power plants to generate electricity. It burns cleaner than coal and oil, producing less carbon dioxide.
- Heating: It is used in homes and industries for heating purposes.
- Transportation: Compressed natural gas (CNG) is used as a fuel for vehicles like buses and cars.
- Industrial Use: Natural gas is used as a raw material in manufacturing fertilizers, plastics, and chemicals.
Advantages of Natural Gas
- Cleaner Fuel: Compared to coal and oil, natural gas produces fewer pollutants, such as sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide, when burned.
- Abundant: There are vast reserves of natural gas around the world.
- Efficient: It is more energy-efficient than coal and oil for electricity generation and heating.
Disadvantages of Natural Gas
- Non-Renewable: Natural gas is a finite resource and will eventually run out.
- Greenhouse Gas Emissions: While cleaner than coal, natural gas still produces carbon dioxide, contributing to climate change.
- Fracking Issues: Hydraulic fracturing can cause environmental damage, including water contamination and induced earthquakes.
Environmental Impact
- Fossil Fuel Concerns: As a fossil fuel, natural gas contributes to environmental concerns, particularly global warming and climate change.
- Methane Leaks: Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, and leaks during extraction, transportation, and use can have significant environmental impacts.
Future of Natural Gas
- Natural gas is considered a bridge fuel because it produces less pollution than other fossil fuels, but it is still part of the non-renewable energy mix.
- There is growing interest in transitioning to renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydropower, which do not produce greenhouse gases.
Fun Fact
- Natural gas is often called “cleaner than coal” because it burns more efficiently, producing less smoke and pollutants.
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