Geology Terms - Chapter 15: Alternative Energy Sources

biofuels

Energy derived from living organisms or from organic matter (biomass).

breeder reactor

A reactor in which new fissionable material is produced in quantity at the same time as energy is generated.

chain reaction

The process during which fission of one nucleus triggers fission of others, which, in turn, indicates fission in others, and so on.

core meltdown

A possible nuclear reactor accident resulting from loss of core coolant and subsequent overheating.

decommissioning

The shutdown of a nuclear reactor at the end of its safe, useful life; includes the disposal of radioactive parts.

fission

The process by which atomic nuclei are split into smaller fragments.

fusion

The process by which atomic nuclei combine to produce larger nuclei.

geothermal energy

Energy derived from the internal heat of Earth; its use usually requires a near-surface heat source, such as young igneous rock, and nearby circulating subsurface water.

geothermal gradient

The rate of increase of temperature with depth in Earth.

hot-dry-rock

Geothermal resource area in which geothermal gradients are high but indigenous groundwater is lacking.

ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC)

Power generation making use of the temperature difference between deep, cold seawater and warmer near-surface water.

photovoltaic cells

Devices that convert solar radiation directly to electricity.