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Carbon Capture and Storage Technologies — Reading Comprehension

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This Grade 6-8 science reading passage introduces students to Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technologies, an important method for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change. Students will learn about the processes of capturing carbon dioxide (CO₂) from sources like power plants, transporting it, and storing it safely underground. The passage explains key scientific vocabulary terms and real-world examples, such as how CCS is used at factories and power stations. It aligns with NGSS standards and encourages critical thinking through a multiple-choice activity and writing tasks, which help deepen understanding of environmental science and technological solutions. The content is designed for readability, accessibility, and includes audio integration for diverse learners. This resource is ideal for classroom instruction or independent study.

CONTENT PREVIEW

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is a technology used to help fight climate change by reducing the amount of carbon dioxide (CO₂) that enters the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas produced by burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas. Too much greenhouse gas in the air traps heat and causes the Earth’s temperature to rise.

The CCS process has three main steps: capture, transport, and storage. First, special machines capture carbon dioxide from sources like power plants and factories before it is released into the air. This step is called carbon capture. The captured CO₂ is then compressed into a liquid or gas and moved through pipelines or trucks to a storage site. This is the transport step.

Finally, the CO₂ is injected deep underground into special rock formations, such as depleted oil and gas fields or deep saline aquifers, where it can be stored safely for thousands of years. This is called carbon storage. The rock layers act as natural barriers to keep the CO₂ from escaping back into the atmosphere.

CCS can be used in many industries, including energy, cement, and steel production. For example, a power plant that uses CCS can reduce its CO₂ emissions by up to 90%. Some countries use CCS in large projects to help meet their environmental goals and reduce the impact of human activities on the planet.

Scientists are always working to improve CCS technologies so they can be more efficient and less expensive. There are also challenges, such as finding safe places to store CO₂ and making sure it does not leak. Monitoring systems are used to check the storage sites and protect the environment.

CCS is not the only solution to climate change, but it is an important tool. When combined with using more renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, CCS can help create a cleaner and safer world for everyone.

Interesting Fact: Scientists estimate that CCS technologies could help reduce global CO₂ emissions by almost one-fifth by 2050 if used worldwide.

What does CCS stand for?

Carbon Capture and StorageCarbon Control SystemClimate Cooling SolutionCompressed CO₂ Storage

Which gas does CCS mainly capture?

Carbon dioxideOxygenNitrogenMethane

What is a greenhouse gas?

Traps heat in atmosphereDestroys ozone layerCools Earth's surfaceForms clouds

What is the third step of CCS?

StorageTransportCaptureRelease

Why are depleted oil fields used?

Safe for storing CO₂Produce more oilMake energyHold fresh water

What might happen if CO₂ leaks?