Will Our Reliance on Hydrocarbons Lead to Another Ice Age?

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In summary, the conversation discusses the potential impact of extracting natural resources from the Earth on the planet's core and the possibility of another ice age. The speaker argues that the burning of coal and other carbon fuels does not directly provide energy to the core, as it requires oxygen to produce energy. However, underground coal mines and the presence of other oxygen sources near coal seams suggest a potential risk of carbon oxidation and energy transfer to the core.
  • #1
avemt1
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I have a consern. If we are taking oil, coal, and other natural resources from the Earth that have a large chemical energy due to hydrocarbons, then 100,000 or more years from now when they are supposed to slide under the surface of the earth, will our core start to lose enough of it's kenetic energy to put us into another ice age?
 
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  • #2
I don't think so, because the energy released when we burn coal and other carbon fuels is the result of the carbon bonding with oxygen. If you bury some burning coal under some dirt, you extinguish it buy eliminating its oxygen source. Coal that is subducted into the Earth's mantle is burried under a lot of dirt, and can't get any air at all, so I don't think the core gets energy from the burning of coal.
 
  • #3
LURCH said:
I don't think so, because the energy released when we burn coal and other carbon fuels is the result of the carbon bonding with oxygen. If you bury some burning coal under some dirt, you extinguish it buy eliminating its oxygen source. Coal that is subducted into the Earth's mantle is burried under a lot of dirt, and can't get any air at all, so I don't think the core gets energy from the burning of coal.
Then why are there burning underground coal mines?
 
  • #4
Carbon can oxidize if there's another source of oxygen, for example in black powder the oxidizer is potassium nitrate, KNO3. It is possible the coal seams are close to oxide minerals.
 
  • #5
selfAdjoint said:
Carbon can oxidize if there's another source of oxygen, for example in black powder the oxidizer is potassium nitrate, KNO3. It is possible the coal seams are close to oxide minerals.
so then there is a conseivable risk correct?
 

FAQ: Will Our Reliance on Hydrocarbons Lead to Another Ice Age?

What are hydrocarbons?

Hydrocarbons are molecules that are made up of hydrogen and carbon atoms. They are the main components of fossil fuels such as oil, natural gas, and coal.

How are hydrocarbons formed?

Hydrocarbons are formed over millions of years through the decomposition of plants and animals. The remains of these organisms are buried under layers of sediment and subjected to heat and pressure, which causes the chemical transformation into hydrocarbons.

What is the importance of hydrocarbons?

Hydrocarbons are important because they are the main source of energy for our modern society. They are used to generate electricity, power vehicles, and heat homes. They are also used to produce various products such as plastics, fabrics, and medicines.

What is the core of the Earth?

The core of the Earth is the innermost layer, located at the center of the planet. It is composed of two parts: the inner core, which is solid and mostly made up of iron and nickel, and the outer core, which is liquid and also contains iron and nickel.

How are hydrocarbons related to the Earth's core?

Hydrocarbons are not directly related to the Earth's core, but they are often found in the Earth's crust, which is the outermost layer of the planet. The Earth's core plays a role in the formation of hydrocarbons through the geological processes of heat and pressure. The core's heat helps to break down organic materials and the pressure from the layers above forces the hydrocarbons towards the surface.

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