What+are+the+Oil+Sands?+Alternative+Energy+Sources?


 * What are the Oil Sands?**


 * The oil sands provide us with a source of unconventional oil. This means that the oil is still usable however; it is a naturally occurring mixture of sand, clay or other minerals. The other materials must be separated and removed from the mixture before it can be used to produce usable fuels. It is also more difficult to get out of the ground than regular, conventional oil. Unconventional oil is now known as “Canada’s greatest buried energy treasure”, especially now that the source of conventional oil is said to have peaked. The oil sands are also referred to as "tar sands". **

// very expensive // // long term: // // low // ||< It disrupts fish, floods nearby shores, current of river, affects terrestrial and aquatic eco-systems ||< Renewable resource, environmentally friendly, provides jobs 20% - 25% o four energy needs are met by hydro || // low // // long term: // // low // ||< Produces pollution (ash, smoke, sulfur dioxide, greenhouse gasses) - results in acid rain ||< Non-renewable, pollution results in breathing problems (health issues), creates job opportunities || // medium // // long term: // // high // ||< Burning the oil produces pollutants This contributes to acid precipitation, smog, and climate change ||< Ships may crash causing oil spills Natural gas reserves are declining Non-renewable Burns cleaner then coal || high (temperature of water that return to their sources negatively affect these bodies of water) ||< Produces very large amounts of energy (especially compared to that of coal) Non-renewable about 50% of our energy comes from nuclear ||
 * Alternate Sources of Energy:**media type="youtube" key="UYwHR9yb0IM" height="390" width="480"
 * < Electric Energy Source ||< Construction / Operation Costs ||< Cost to Consumers ||< Environmental Concerns ||< Social Costs & Benefits ||
 * < Hydro-electric ||< high ||< // short term: //
 * < Coal ||< medium - low ||< // short term: //
 * < Wind ||< low ||< // short term: // // low // // long term: // // low // ||< Doesn’t harm the environment because it isn’t releasing any harmful substances ||< Some people find them visually appealing, environmentally friendly, could harm birds and take up a lot of space and make a lot of noise ||<  ||   ||
 * < Biomass ||< medium ||< // short term: // // medium // // long term: // // low // ||< Renewable resource ||< Job opportunities, reduces amount of land to grow crops – increased price in food ||
 * < Oil / Natural Gas ||< high ||< // short term: //
 * < Solar ||< high ||< // short term: // // high // // long term: // // low // ||< Creates some pollution Doesn’t produce a lot of energy (lots of sunlight is required) ||< Good for the environment, maintenance free, works independently, lasts for 40 years ||
 * < Geothermal ||< high ||< // short term: // // high // // long term: // // low // ||< Contributes to global warming The making of the plant creates lots of pollution ||< Reduces heating bill by large amounts Creates jobs ||
 * < Nuclear ||< high ||< // short term: // // high // // long term: // // medium // ||< Creates pollution, aquatic ecosystems are negatively affected