Thought Questions

Question 23.9

In what ways does Earth’s internal heat engine contribute to the formation of fossil-fuel resources?

Question 23.10

Are you an oil optimist or an oil pessimist? Explain why.

Question 23.11

What issues related to the use of nuclear energy can be addressed by geologists?

Question 23.12

Contrast the risks and benefits of nuclear fission and coal combustion as energy sources.

Question 23.13

What do you think will be the major sources of the world’s energy in the year 2030? In the year 2100?

Question 23.14

Do you think we should act now to reduce carbon emissions or delay until the functioning of the climate system is better understood?

Question 23.15

Is the United States justified in insisting that developing countries that now use much less fossil fuel than developed countries agree to limit their future carbon emissions?

Question 23.16

Do you think that future scientists and engineers will be able to modify the natural carbon cycle to prevent catastrophic changes in the climate system?

Question 23.17

Do you think a geologist several thousand years in the future will consider the industrial revolution the beginning of a new geologic epoch?