ANY STATE\'S ANSWER IS FINE!! --------------------------------------------------
ID: 119250 • Letter: A
Question
ANY STATE'S ANSWER IS FINE!!
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EARTH'S NATURAL RESOURCES UNIT JOURNAL ASSIGNMENT
It is now time to submit your unit journal. You should have the following journal entries for this unit:
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1)Hometown Fossil Fuels
Guidelines:
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has a fun site(https://oaspub.epa.gov/powpro/ept_pack.charts) where you can enter your zip code and see the sources used to provide electricity in your area.
* Take a look at the site and find out if your electricity comes mainly from coal and other fossil fuels, or renewable sources like wind or hydro power. If you have a copy of your electric bills, you can even figure out how much your home contributes to annual emissions.
*After you go through the site, create a journal entry to describe your findings.
*Describe how the energy sources and emissions in your area compare to national averages.
*Discuss ways that you can reduce your household emissions of pollutants like carbon dioxide and sulfur. How can you make a difference?
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2)Alternative Energy
Guideline: Energy sources that can be used instead of fossil fuels are sometimes called "alternative" energy sources. Do some quick research and see how many different types of alternative energy you can find. Make a journal entry to name the various types of alternative energy out there and give a brief description of each one.
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3)Local Minerals
Guideline:
* What minerals are found in your state?
* Name the specific towns or regions of your state in which they are found.
* Explain how these minerals are used.
Explanation / Answer
1) Hometown Fossil Fuels (Washington): Most of the energy required in Washington is provided by hydro electric power plants.The Columbia River provides water for vast hydroelectric projects. The Grand Coulee Dam on Washington's Columbia River is the largest hydropower producer in the United States and also the nation's largest electricity generating facility of any kind when measured by capacity.
Overall energy consumption in Washington is well below the national average on a per capita basis, and the state produces more electricity than it needs to meet domestic demand.
Using more fuel efficient vechicles and other appliances will reduce the problem of household emissions of pollutants like carbon dioxide and sulfur and thus will contribute to decrease the per capita carbon footprint.
2) Alternative Energy(Washington):
a. Ethanol as an alternative to fossil fuels: Ethanol is plant-derived gasoline substitutes for powering vehicles. As of 2008, there are nine commercial cellulosic ethanol plants which are either operating, or under construction, in the United States.
b. Hydrogen: can be used as a carrier of energy, produced by various technologies such as cracking of hydrocarbons or water electrolysis.
c. Nuclear Energy: uses nuclear fission to release energy stored in the atomic bonds of heavy elements.
3) Local Minerals(Washington):
Gold, silver and copper are found in rock deposits near springs. Copper is used in making wires and in other electric appliances. Silver and gold have ornamental value.