Geothermal Energy Management

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What are the three ways geothermal energy reaches the Earth's surface?

Volcanoes, hot springs, geysers (correct)

Tidal energy, biomass, fossil fuels

Ocean waves, wind turbines, solars

Nuclear fission, geothermal wells, hydroelectric dams

What is the first step in generating electricity at a geothermal power plant?

Cooling the steam

Drilling wells to pump steam or hot water (correct)

Turning the turbine

Condensing steam back to water

Which of the following is NOT an advantage of geothermal energy?

Consistently reliable

Renewable source

Location-specific (correct)

Requires minimal land

What causes steam to form when hot water reaches the surface in a geothermal power plant?

Drop in pressure Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a human-induced factor influencing geothermal energy depletion?

Over extraction Signup and view all the answers

Which location is an example of a depleted geothermal field?

The Geysers, California Signup and view all the answers

What must be carefully managed to prevent depletion in geothermal energy sources?

Water or steam extraction Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is a disadvantage of geothermal energy?

Potential for water contamination Signup and view all the answers

What component is used in a geothermal power plant to generate electricity?

Turbines connected to a generator Signup and view all the answers

What is a major environmental risk associated with geothermal energy?

Inducing earthquakes Signup and view all the answers

What potential risk is associated with drilling geothermal wells?

Creation of new fractures in the rock Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of extracting high-pressure fluids from geothermal reservoirs?

Ground subsidence Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following can be a chemical contaminant in geothermal fluids?

Mercury Signup and view all the answers

How can geothermal development affect natural geothermal features?

Damage to natural geothermal features Signup and view all the answers

What must be done to prevent the pollution of waterways from geothermal operations?

Reinject geothermal fluids responsibly Signup and view all the answers

What is a recommended method for conserving geothermal resources?

Reinject spent fluids back into the reservoir Signup and view all the answers

Why should reinjection sites be placed far from extraction sites?

To ensure proper heating of reinjected water Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant environmental impact of geothermal fluid extraction?

Release of heavy metals into water bodies Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a subsurface hazard related to geothermal energy?

Urban development Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary concern in the over-extraction of geothermal resources?

Cooling of the reservoir Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Geothermal Energy: Production and Management

Geothermal energy harnesses Earth's internal heat to generate electricity. Heat reaches the surface via volcanoes, fumaroles, hot springs, and geysers.
Electricity generation involves drilling wells to extract steam or hot water. Pressure drop converts water to steam, powering turbines connected to generators. Cooled steam condenses back to water, which is reinjected into the Earth.

Geothermal Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages: Renewable, clean (low greenhouse gas emissions), reliable (consistent energy supply), versatile (electricity, heating, & cooling), and requires minimal land.
Disadvantages: Location-specific, high upfront costs, potential environmental risks (earthquakes, water contamination).

Geothermal Energy Depletion

Geothermal resources are renewable but need careful management to prevent depletion.
Natural Depletion: Reservoir cooling, fluid depletion
Human-Induced Depletion: Over-extraction, inadequate reservoir management, poor well design, lack of reinjection
Examples of Depleted Fields: Geysers (California), Larderello (Italy), Wairakei (New Zealand), Tiwi (Philippines).

Geothermal Risks and Threats

Subsurface hazards: Earthquakes from drilling fault lines and ground subsidence from pressure drop in hot reservoirs.
Environmental hazards: Chemical contamination of geothermal fluids (heavy metals, toxic substances), damage to natural geothermal features (geysers, hot springs), and potential waterway pollution from chemicals like mercury, boron, lithium, & arsenic.

Geothermal Conservation Strategies

Avoid over-extraction: Preventing excessive hot water production that could cool the reservoir.
Reinjection: Returning spent fluids to the reservoir.
Strategic reinjection site selection: Keeping reinjection and extraction sites apart to enable proper re-heating.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

This quiz explores the production, advantages, and disadvantages of geothermal energy. Understand how geothermal resources can be harnessed for electricity generation and the necessary management practices to prevent depletion. Test your knowledge on this renewable energy source and its impacts.