The discussion centers on the potential long-term geological and climatic impacts of human reliance on hydrocarbons, specifically whether the extraction and burning of fossil fuels could lead to a significant loss of kinetic energy in the Earth's core, potentially triggering another ice age in the distant future.
Participants do not reach a consensus; there are competing views regarding the implications of burning hydrocarbons on the Earth's core and climate. Some participants challenge the assumptions made by others, indicating ongoing debate.
The discussion highlights uncertainties regarding the geological processes involved and the conditions under which coal can oxidize, as well as the long-term implications of hydrocarbon reliance.
Then why are there burning underground coal mines?LURCH said:I don't think so, because the energy released when we burn coal and other carbon fuels is the result of the carbon bonding with oxygen. If you bury some burning coal under some dirt, you extinguish it buy eliminating its oxygen source. Coal that is subducted into the Earth's mantle is burried under a lot of dirt, and can't get any air at all, so I don't think the core gets energy from the burning of coal.
so then there is a conseivable risk correct?selfAdjoint said:Carbon can oxidize if there's another source of oxygen, for example in black powder the oxidizer is potassium nitrate, KNO3. It is possible the coal seams are close to oxide minerals.