The discussion centers on the potential long-term effects of hydrocarbon extraction on Earth's core and climate. Participants argue that while burning hydrocarbons releases energy through carbon-oxygen bonding, this process does not impact the Earth's core due to the lack of oxygen in subducted coal. The conversation also touches on the phenomenon of underground coal fires, suggesting that oxidation can occur if coal is near oxidizing agents like potassium nitrate (KNO3). Ultimately, the consensus leans towards the belief that reliance on hydrocarbons will not lead to another ice age.
PREREQUISITESEnvironmental scientists, geologists, climate change researchers, and energy policy analysts will benefit from this discussion.
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.