Chapter five describes the progression from earlier uses of fossil fuels, to more complex and technologically advanced methods of generating electricity. Smil recognizes that the food supplies available have risen significantly, and because of the increased use of fossil fuels, alternatives will be needed in time, though it will be a gradual adjustment. Picking up from the innovations of preindustrial society, he shows that it did not take long for countries to enter the booming market for coal. Coal, natural gases, and crude oils have found their own markets, and since then, drilling sites and pipelines have extended their use worldwide. Energy sources also include turbines, which have contributed to the design of engines, or electric motors, which could turn electric currents into rotary motions. As technologies constantly introduced newer, more efficient designs for electric use and power, there are environmental damages to be answered to.
Prorate- To divide, distribute, or assess proportionately.
Armature- The rotating part of a dynamo, consisting essentially of copper wire wound around an iron core.
Nuclear reactors and hydro-turbines are in this chapter because they’ve contributed to increased electrical use. With fertilizer, it produces nitrogen, a natural gas, which is related to the fossil fuel topics of the chapter.
I tried to look into the Sanxia Dam in China he made note of, and found some sites, though I did find an article on JSTOR that briefly discussed that there were faulty areas of the dam. Here is a general overview about it though
http://www.china-hiking.com/ThreeGorges/1.htm
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