Energy Sources and Their Impact

These flashcards encompass key vocabulary and concepts related to energy sources, their formation, types, impacts, and associated environmental considerations.

Geothermal Energy

Renewable source of energy generated when hot rocks close to the surface are used to heat water to produce steam for electricity or heat a building.

Nuclear Fission

The splitting of a parent atom into two daughter atoms of roughly the same size, releasing energy.

Petroleum

Naturally occurring organic gaseous, liquid, or semi-solid substance derived from the remains of microscopic organisms and consisting of hydrocarbons.

Renewable Resources

A resource that can be used at its current rate without exhausting the supply; examples include sun, wind, and water.

Nonrenewable Resources

Resource that is being consumed faster than nature can replenish it; examples include coal, oil, and gas.

Hydraulic Fracturing (Fracking)

Method of recovering petroleum trapped in shales by injecting fluids that shatter the shales and increase permeability.

Coal Formation

Created as a result of the burial and compaction of plant material in fresh water or swamps.

Tidal Power

Renewable energy generated by the flow of water associated with tides, can generate power by trapping water during high tide.

Wave Energy

Renewable energy harnessed from ocean waves to generate electricity.

Carbon Emissions

Release of greenhouse gases, measured as grams of CO2 equivalent per kilowatt-hour for different energy sources.

Anticline

A geologic structure that can serve as a trap for oil and gas, formed by the folding of sedimentary layers.

Seal (in petroleum geology)

An impermeable rock layer that stops the upward and lateral movement of oil and gas, forcing them to collect.

Energy Transition

The process of changing from a fossil fuel-based energy system to a more sustainable energy system including renewable energy sources.

Clean Coal

Refers to the concept of reducing the environmental impact of coal energy by eliminating pollution produced during its burning.

Turbine

A machine for producing continuous power, typically driven by water, steam, or gas.

Storage Energy

Energy stored during periods of low demand to be released during peak energy consumption times.

Biomass Energy

Renewable energy that uses organic waste as fuel to generate power.

53rd State Syndrome

Concept reflecting public resistance to the establishment of energy facilities in local communities.

Ecosystem Impact

Effects on biological communities and their interactions resulting from energy resource development and usage.

Environmental Contamination

The presence of harmful substances in the environment, often a concern in energy resource extraction.

Energy Consumption

Measurement of the amount of energy used, typically expressed in units like BTU or kilowatt-hours.

Uranium

A very heavy element used as fuel in nuclear reactors for producing energy.

Tidal Flow

The flow of water associated with tides, crucial for generating tidal power.

Shale Gas

Natural gas produced from organic-rich black shales.