Environmental Impacts of Geothermal Energy: A Comprehensive Overview

Question 1

What is the primary greenhouse gas emitted during geothermal energy production and what is its source?

Accepted Answer

Hydrogen sulfide from the geothermal reservoir fluids

Answer

Carbon dioxide from the combustion of fossil fuels

Answer

Methane from the decomposition of organic matter

Answer

Ammonia from the use of refrigerants

Question 2

What is the geological process by which underground water is heated by geothermal gradients and rises to the surface, forming geothermal reservoirs?

Accepted Answer

Convection

Answer

Geopressure

Answer

Magma activity

Answer

Conduction

Question 3

Which type of geothermal power plant utilizes a working fluid that vaporizes in a heat exchanger and drives a turbine to generate electricity?

Accepted Answer

Binary cycle

Answer

Dry steam

Answer

Flash steam

Answer

Hydrothermal

Question 4

What is a primary challenge encountered in developing geothermal energy in regions with low-to-moderate temperature geothermal resources?

Accepted Answer

Insufficient energy output, making it difficult to generate electricity efficiently

Answer

High drilling costs associated with accessing deeper geothermal reservoirs

Answer

Environmental concerns related to potential induced seismicity

Answer

Lack of expertise and skilled professionals in geothermal development

Question 5

In the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process, what is the main duty of the lead agency concerning potential environmental impacts of geothermal energy development?

Accepted Answer

Conduct a comprehensive environmental assessment and determine suitable mitigation measures.

Answer

Approve or reject the project based only on the environmental assessment.

Answer

Monitor the project's operation to ensure adherence to environmental regulations.

Answer

Provide financial assistance to developers for implementing mitigation measures.

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT a potential environmental impact associated with geothermal energy development?

Accepted Answer

Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions

Answer

Air emissions

Answer

Land use changes

Answer

Water consumption

Question 7

The major land use change resulting from geothermal energy development is primarily due to:

Accepted Answer

Construction of power plants and drilling of geothermal wells

Answer

Air pollution

Answer

Noise pollution

Answer

Water contamination

Question 8

Which of the following air pollutants is released during geothermal energy generation?

Accepted Answer

Hydrogen sulfide

Answer

Nitrogen oxides

Answer

Carbon monoxide

Question 9

Geothermal energy is considered a renewable energy source because it originates from:

Accepted Answer

A heat source that is continuously replenished by the Earth's core

Answer

It uses no water in its power generation process.

Answer

It produces zero greenhouse gas emissions.

Question 10

Which of the following measures can be implemented to minimize the environmental impacts of geothermal energy development?

Accepted Answer

Employing closed-loop systems to reduce water consumption

Answer

Increasing the number of geothermal wells in a given area

Answer

Using fossil fuels to generate electricity instead

Question 11

What is a primary environmental benefit of using geothermal energy instead of fossil fuels?

Accepted Answer

Reduced air pollution

Answer

Lower operating costs

Answer

Increased water availability

Answer

Improved land use planning

Question 12

A major constraint on the development of geothermal energy is:

Accepted Answer

Geographical limitations

Answer

Government regulations

Answer

High drilling costs

Answer

Lack of public acceptance

Question 13

Environmental impact assessments (EIAs) play a crucial role in geothermal energy development by:

Accepted Answer

Identifying and mitigating potential environmental impacts

Answer

Promoting geothermal energy regardless of environmental impacts

Answer

Delaying or preventing geothermal energy projects

Question 14

Which of the following is an advantage of using geothermal energy for heating and cooling buildings?

Accepted Answer

Reduced energy costs

Answer

Increased air pollution

Answer

Noise and vibration

Answer

Depletion of non-renewable resources

Question 15

Which of the following is NOT considered an environmental impact of geothermal energy development?

Accepted Answer

Reduced greenhouse gas emissions

Answer

Air pollution

Answer

Land alteration

Answer

Water contamination

Question 16

Geothermal energy primarily harnesses which natural resource?

Accepted Answer

Heat from the Earth's interior

Answer

Moving water

Answer

Sunlight

Answer

Wind

Question 17

Which technology is used to convert geothermal heat into usable electricity?

Accepted Answer

Geothermal power plant

Answer

Fuel cell

Answer

Wind turbine

Answer

Solar panel

Question 18

What sets geothermal energy apart from many other renewable energy sources?

Accepted Answer

Reliability and consistent availability

Answer

Very low cost

Answer

Extremely high efficiency

Answer

Wide and easy accessibility

Question 19

Which of the following pollutants is NOT typically released from geothermal power plants?

Accepted Answer

Carbon monoxide

Answer

Sulfur dioxide

Answer

Nitrogen oxides

Answer

Hydrogen sulfide

Question 20

In what way can geothermal energy development impact water resources?

Accepted Answer

It can lead to contamination and depletion

Answer

It always increases water availability

Answer

It purifies contaminated water supplies

Answer

It has no major impact on water resources

Question 21

Which of the following is a potential method for minimizing the environmental impacts of geothermal energy?

Accepted Answer

Closed-loop systems

Answer

Increased drilling

Answer

Reduced power output

Answer

More efficient cooling towers

Question 22

Which of these is a potential health risk associated with geothermal energy development?

Accepted Answer

Exposure to toxic gases

Answer

Noise pollution

Answer

Electrical shock

Answer

Sunburn

Question 23

What is a key factor that affects the economic viability of geothermal energy projects?

Accepted Answer

Proximity and quantity of geothermal resources

Answer

Market demand for energy

Answer

Transportation infrastructure

Answer

Political stability of the area