AP Environmental Science : Geothermal Energy

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Environmental Science

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Other Energy Sources

Which of the following is NOT correct about geothermal energy?

Possible Answers:

Fuel consumption of geothermal plants is insignificant when compared to that of coal and natural gas plants.

Geothermal energy can be harnessed in any region of the world and contribute substantially to the power grid.

Geothermal has proven cost-effective in remote communities where importing fuel is challenging and expensive.

Iceland has been able to utilize geothermal to meet over twenty-five percent of their energy demand, in large part because of the geothermal activity of the region.

While sustainable, geothermal plants do emit small quantities of carbon dioxide and some toxic gases, originally trapped in gas pockets deep below the surface.

Correct answer:

Geothermal energy can be harnessed in any region of the world and contribute substantially to the power grid.

Explanation:

Geothermal activity has proven to be a cheap, low-cost and environmentally friendly energy source for communities located in areas with high geothermal activity, particularly where the earth's crust is rather thin (e.g. Iceland); however, this method of harvesting energy is not very economically feasible or possible in areas with little near-surface geothermal activity.

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