Earth's Natural Resources: Fossil Fuels

Section Objectives Icon Section Objectives

After you have completed this section, you will be able to:

  1. Describe how the various fossil fuels are formed.
  2. Describe Earth’s carbon cycle.
  3. Explain what an oil reserve is and explain the factors that influence oil supplies.
  4. Demonstrate where fossil fuel resources are located.
  5. Discuss how oil sands and oil shale are extracted and used.
  6. Describe the different types of coal.
  7. Describe how fossil fuels are used to generate electricity.
  8. Explain the impact of fossil fuels on society and the environment.