Sulfur

…is the brimstone of myth and legend, as in this depiction of “Hell” from the 12th century.

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Sulfur can be crystalline or

massive.

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Sulfur is associated with volcanic activity.

This hydrothermal area in Iceland

produces elemental sulfur.

…hydrogen sulfide, a distinctive odor similar to rotten eggs

…or like sulfur dioxide, which we know more

commonly as lit matches.

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The air near sulfur deposits smells like…

Natural oil and gas deposits associated with gypsum rock units can also hold large volumes of hydrogen sulfide gas.

Within the past few decades, these gas deposits have replaced the mineral sulfur as our main source of the element.

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Sulfur is in our petroleum deposits, so when we burn fossil fuels, such as gas,

petroleum, and coal, sulfur is released. Sulfur combines with oxygen

to form sulfur dioxide (SO2).

Other pollutants are nitrogen oxides (NOx), volatile organic compounds

(VOC), and mercury (Hg).

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In the atmosphere, sulfur dioxide can combine with moisture to produce ‘acid rain’, precipitation with low amounts of sulfuric acid. Acid rain can damage building stones and monuments, cause a decline in natural lake systems and, in some areas, even pose a significant risk to human health.

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Sulfur is used as an incendiary weapon and is in gunpowder, fireworks, and matches

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Over 90% of the sulfur mined by modern society is used to produce sulfuric acid (H2SO4).

Sulfuric acid is used in the manufacture of fertilizers and a host of chemical products.

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Sulfur is used to vulcanize natural

rubber

Most modern rubber is synthetic

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Sulfur is used to soften wood pulp to make paper and to prepare cotton for

dying.

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Sulfur is also used in the manufacture of steel and aluminum.

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Fertilizer is spread on farm fields from the ground and from the sky.

Fertilizer production alone accounts for roughly half of our

present sulfur use.

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Lead-acid batteries are the

back up for servers in case of

a power outage, and in solar

energy systems.

Lead-acid batteries, containing sulfuric acid, are used in starting engines and powering accessories/machines.

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Sulfur

…is the brimstone of myth and legend, as in this depiction of “Hell” from the 12th century.

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media rights

Many of the photos in this presentation were obtained through Flickr and Wikipedia.

Funded by FIPSE and by the University of Minnesota. Compiled for Dr. Kent Kirkby, Department of Geology and Geophysics, by Kate Rosok, 2007. Each displayed image

retains its original media rights. For educational purposes only; not to be used commercially.

public domain (none)

© Copyright. All rights reserved

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