Advanced Geothermal Energy Questions and Answers on “Origin and Distribution of Geothermal Energy”.
1. How is the heat inside earth restored?
a) Radioactive decay of elements
b) Sun restores the heat
c) Hot steam is pumped into earth
d) Cosmic rays
Answer: a
Clarification: Earth’s heat is generated and restored by the radioactive decay of radioactive elements. These elements are found in the mantle and core. Pumping hot steam, sun’s heat and cosmic rays do not contribute to restoration of earth’s heat.
2. What is the increase in temperature per kilometer starting from the crust?
a) 15 degree Celsius
b) 17 – 30 degree Celsius
c) 100 degree Celsius
d) 50 – 87 degree Celsius
Answer: b
Clarification: The normal temperature gradient with respect to depth – increase in the temperature per kilometer is 17 – 30 degree Celsius. It is 50 – 87 in degree F.
3. What is the earth’s core made up of?
a) Gamma rays
b) Nitrogen
c) Iron
d) Gold
Answer: c
Clarification: Earth’s core lies 4000 miles below the surface and consists of two layers. The core is made up of solid iron and is surrounded by molted iron.
4. Which of the following surrounds the earth’s core?
a) Mt. Everest
b) Crust
c) Hydrogen
d) Mantle
Answer: d
Clarification: The earth’s core is surrounded by mantle. It consists of rocks and magma. It is about 1800 miles thick starting from the core.
5. What is continental drift?
a) Tectonic plates pushing against each other
b) Continents being pulled due to gravitational force
c) Continents being pulled due to nuclear force
d) Tectonic plates expanding
Answer: a
Clarification: The earth’s crust is not a uniform layer like the shell of an egg. It is made up of tectonic plates. These plates push against each other at the rate of 1 inch per year in a process called continental drift.
6. Who initiated electricity generation from geothermal energy?
a) Indians
b) Italians
c) Americans
d) Africans
Answer: b
Clarification: Hot springs were used for recreational and healing purposes in the ancient times. However, the converting geothermal energy to electricity is a relatively new concept. It was initiated by Italians in 1904.
7. Why did the first Geysers project in California fail?
a) Did not find geothermal site
b) Insufficient steam
c) Corrosion of equipment
d) Availability of pure steam
Answer: c
Clarification: The first Geysers project in California failed because of impurities in the steam at the geothermal site. These impurities corroded and abraded the pipes and turbines of the day.
8. Which of the following countries hosts the largest geothermal field?
a) Iran
b) Italy
c) Australia
d) United States
Answer: d
Clarification: Geothermal energy is now used in more than 20 countries across the globe. The largest geothermal field is hosted by United States. It is known as “The Geysers” and is located in California. It is spread over 117 km2 and consists of 22 power plants with a capacity of 1.5GW.
9. Which of the following is used to locate a geothermal site?
a) Drilling wells
b) Reflection
c) Seismograph
d) SONAR
