Question

Fossil fuels are normally stored in a reservoir deep in the Earth. The carbon in fossil fuels, including coal and oil, are essentially locked out of the natural carbon cycle due to their location deep in the Earth. Humans have found a way to access and utilize this carbon. Identify a risk for accessing this carbon.

Answer 1

One risk for accessing carbon from the ground is that it may cause soil contamination. Soil when exposed to large amount of gases and other organically decaying materials can absorb these into their make-up. Fossil fuels are extracted from the ground through drilling processes. When the drilling is unsuccessful, pockets created within the soil can create areas for contamination. When soil is contaminated by fossil fuels, it can no longer be use for agricultural purposes.

Answer 2

Scientists are not sure if the  atmosphere can handle all of the excess carbon