Problems with fossil fuels.

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Problems with fossil fuels

Methane hydrate

Gas hydrates, such as methane hydrate, occur abundantly in arctic regions and undersea sediments. The amount of carbon bound in gas hydrates worldwide is estimated to be over twice the total amount known in all fossil fuels on Earth. This seems to provide the world with a tremendous new fossil fuel source. The deposits of methane hydrate close to Japan, for example, could provide enough natural gas to supply Japan for a century. A gas hydrate is a crystalline solid consisting of gas molecules, such as methane, each surrounded by a ‘cage’ of frozen water molecules. It looks much like ordinary ice.

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Methane is produced when vegetable matter decomposes. It forms methane hydrate when conditions are very cold and the pressure of the gas is high. However, a major problem with using methane is that it is a powerful greenhouse gas – 10 times stronger than carbon dioxide.

Most modern cars are fitted with catalytic converters. These are designed to reduce pollution. The first stage converts the oxides of nitrogen into nitrogen and oxygen. The second stage is designed to deal with the pollutant produced as a result of the incomplete combustion of the fuel.

This table shows how ...

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