Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following methods is NOT one of the ways geothermal energy reaches the Earth's surface?
Which of the following methods is NOT one of the ways geothermal energy reaches the Earth's surface?
What is the primary purpose of the cooling tower in a geothermal power plant?
What is the primary purpose of the cooling tower in a geothermal power plant?
Which of the following is a factor that influences natural depletion in geothermal fields?
Which of the following is a factor that influences natural depletion in geothermal fields?
What disadvantage is primarily associated with geothermal energy?
What disadvantage is primarily associated with geothermal energy?
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Which of the following is NOT an example of a depleted geothermal field?
Which of the following is NOT an example of a depleted geothermal field?
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Which step in the geothermal electricity generation process occurs after the steam spins the turbine?
Which step in the geothermal electricity generation process occurs after the steam spins the turbine?
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What type of energy resource is geothermal energy classified as?
What type of energy resource is geothermal energy classified as?
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Which of the following options represents a human-induced factor that can lead to depletion of geothermal fields?
Which of the following options represents a human-induced factor that can lead to depletion of geothermal fields?
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How deep are wells typically drilled to access geothermal energy?
How deep are wells typically drilled to access geothermal energy?
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Which advantage of geothermal energy is highlighted as being different from solar or wind energy?
Which advantage of geothermal energy is highlighted as being different from solar or wind energy?
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What is a potential consequence of extracting geothermal fluids from high-pressure reservoirs?
What is a potential consequence of extracting geothermal fluids from high-pressure reservoirs?
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Which chemical substance is NOT commonly found in geothermal fluids?
Which chemical substance is NOT commonly found in geothermal fluids?
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What practice can help mitigate the risk of damaging geothermal features?
What practice can help mitigate the risk of damaging geothermal features?
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What is a recommended distance consideration for reinjection sites in geothermal energy practices?
What is a recommended distance consideration for reinjection sites in geothermal energy practices?
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Which hazard is associated with the intersection of drilling geothermal wells and geological faults?
Which hazard is associated with the intersection of drilling geothermal wells and geological faults?
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What negative effect can result from the release of geothermal fluids into waterways?
What negative effect can result from the release of geothermal fluids into waterways?
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What approach does NOT contribute to the conservation of geothermal resources?
What approach does NOT contribute to the conservation of geothermal resources?
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What impact can geothermal development have on natural geothermal features?
What impact can geothermal development have on natural geothermal features?
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Which of the following is a characteristic of subsurface hazards related to geothermal energy?
Which of the following is a characteristic of subsurface hazards related to geothermal energy?
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What occurs if extraction of geothermal resources leads to over-production?
What occurs if extraction of geothermal resources leads to over-production?
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Study Notes
Geothermal Energy: Production and Sustainability
- Geothermal energy harnesses Earth's internal heat for energy production.
- It reaches the surface through various pathways like volcanoes, fumaroles, hot springs, and geysers.
- Electricity generation involves steam produced from geothermal heat spinning turbines connected to generators.
- Power plant steps: Wells drill into the ground (3-10 km), hot water/steam pumped to the surface, pressure drop causes water to steam, steam spins turbines producing electricity, cooled steam is condensed back to water, cooled water is reinjected to continue the process.
Geothermal Energy Advantages and Disadvantages
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Advantages:
- Renewable: Earth's heat is constantly replenished.
- Clean: Lower greenhouse gas emissions than fossil fuels.
- Reliable: Consistent energy supply.
- Versatile: Used for electricity, heating, and cooling..
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Disadvantages:
- Location-specific: Only found in specific geological areas.
- Expensive: High initial plant construction costs.
- Environmental risks: Potential earthquakes, water contamination.
Geothermal Energy Resource Depletion and Management
- Natural Depletion: Reservoir cooling & fluid depletion occur naturally.
- Human-induced Depletion: Over-extraction, inadequate reservoir management, poor well design, and lack of reinjection.
- Examples of Depleted Geothermal Fields: Geysers (California), Larderello (Italy), Wairakei (New Zealand), Tiwi (Philippines) (Visual aids exist).
Geothermal Energy Threats and Risks
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Subsurface Hazards:
- Earthquakes: Drilling can trigger new faults and increase earthquake risk.
- Ground Subsidence: Pressure drop in geothermal reservoirs leads to ground sinking.
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Environmental Impacts:
- Chemical Contamination: Geothermal fluids can contain hazardous chemicals.
- Damage to Geothermal Features: Development can harm geysers, hot springs, and fumaroles.
- Waterways Pollution: Potential contamination of water sources with heavy metals.
Geothermal Energy Conservation
- Prevent Overproduction: Avoid excessive hot water extraction, cooling the reservoir,
- Reinjection: Return spent fluids to the reservoir as much as possible.
- Reinjection Site Placement: Ideally, the re-injection site should be distanced from the extraction site to allow proper heating of the injected water.
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Description
This quiz explores geothermal energy, focusing on its production methods and sustainability aspects. Learn about the advantages and disadvantages of harnessing Earth's internal heat for energy generation. Test your knowledge on how geothermal plants operate and their environmental impact.