AP®︎ Environmental Science: Topic 6.10 Flashcards

Master key terms and definitions for Topic 6.10 of AP Environmental Science – Geothermal Energy to help you prep for quizzes and the AP exam.

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Term

Geothermal Energy

Definition

Thermal energy stored within Earth; in power generation, it produces vapor that spins a turbine connected to an electrical generator

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Geothermal Energy
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Thermal energy stored within Earth; in power generation, it produces vapor that spins a turbine connected to an electrical generator

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Flashing
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Rapid vaporization of high-pressure geothermal water into steam when its pressure decreases near the surface

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Hydrogen Sulfide (H₂S)
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A toxic, rotten-egg-smelling gas that geothermal fluids can release when brought to the surface

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Land Subsidence
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Sinking of the ground when geothermal fluid removal lowers pressure and allows underground pore spaces to compact

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Induced Seismicity
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Small earthquakes caused when injected geothermal water changes pressure in fractured underground rock

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Production Well
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A well that carries hot water or steam from an underground geothermal reservoir to the surface

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Injection Well
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A well that returns cooled geothermal water underground to conserve water and help maintain reservoir pressure

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Reservoir Depletion
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Loss of heat or pressure when water and heat are removed from a geothermal reservoir faster than they are replenished

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