Geothermal Energy (College Board AP® Environmental Science): Flashcards
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Define geothermal energy.
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Cards in this collection (18)
Define geothermal energy.
Geothermal energy is heat energy stored beneath the Earth's surface.
What generates the heat stored inside the Earth?
The Earth's heat comes from the radioactive decay of elements such as uranium, thorium, and potassium, plus residual heat from the Earth's formation and tectonic activity.
True or False?
Geothermal energy is a renewable resource.
True.
Geothermal energy will remain available for as long as the Earth generates heat, so it is renewable.
Geothermal reservoirs are usually found near volcanoes or tectonic plate .
Geothermal reservoirs are usually found near volcanoes or tectonic plate boundaries.
How does a geothermal power station generate electricity?
Hot water and steam from underground reservoirs are piped to the surface, where they drive turbines connected to generators.
What is direct use of geothermal energy?
In direct use, hot water from a geothermal reservoir is used to heat buildings, greenhouses, or industrial processes.
Define ground-source heat pump.
A ground-source heat pump is a small-scale system that uses geothermal energy to heat and cool individual homes and buildings.
Why can the ground be used to both heat and cool a building?
A few meters below the surface, the ground stays at a roughly constant temperature (around 10-15°C), which is warmer than winter air and cooler than summer air.
In summer, a ground-source heat pump transfers heat from the building into the cooler .
In summer, a ground-source heat pump transfers heat from the building into the cooler ground.
True or False?
Ground-source heat pumps use more electricity than conventional heating because they generate heat.
False.
Ground-source heat pumps use far less electricity than conventional heating or air conditioning because they move heat rather than generating it.
Why is geothermal energy more reliable than solar or wind power?
Geothermal energy provides a constant energy supply regardless of weather conditions.
Why is geothermal energy described as a low-carbon energy source?
Geothermal energy produces far less greenhouse gas than fossil-fuel power plants.
True or False?
Geothermal power stations take up more land than other renewable power plants.
False.
Geothermal power stations are an efficient use of land, taking up less land space than other renewable power plants.
Why are there few suitable locations for geothermal power stations?
Geothermal energy depends on tectonic activity, so only a few locations on Earth are suitable.
Geothermal power stations are not very efficient, with an efficiency of around .
Geothermal power stations are not very efficient, with an efficiency of around 12%.
What can happen if a geothermal reservoir is overused?
Overuse can cause depletion of the reservoir if heat is extracted faster than it is naturally replenished.
Which pollution risks does geothermal energy pose?
Geothermal energy can release harmful gases such as hydrogen sulfide, and mineral-laden wastewater can contaminate nearby water sources.
What geological hazard can geothermal drilling and water reinjection cause?
Geothermal drilling and water reinjection can sometimes trigger small earthquakes.
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