Question

the picture above is of shoosmith landfill in chesterfield county, virginia. like many landfills, once trash collection is finished, they cover the landfill with dirt and plastic to prevent trash and pollution from leaving the site. like other landfills in virginia, and across the country.
coal forming within the landfill is used to make energy for the surrounding area
petroleum forming within the landfill is used to make energy for the surrounding area
natural gas forming within the landfill is used to make energy for the surrounding area
forming within the landfill is used to make energy for the surrounding area

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze the process of landfills producing energy:

1. Understand Landfill Decomposition: Landfills contain organic waste. As this waste decomposes (anaerobically, without oxygen), it produces methane, a type of natural gas.
2. Evaluate the Options:

• Coal formation: Coal forms from plant matter over millions of years in sedimentary environments, not landfills. Eliminate this.
• Petroleum formation: Petroleum forms from marine organisms in sedimentary basins over long periods, not in landfills. Eliminate this.
• Natural gas (methane) formation: Organic waste in landfills decomposes to produce methane, which is captured and used as energy. This matches landfill energy production.

Answer:

natural gas forming within the landfill is used to make energy for the surrounding area