So far we have looked at how a Sedimentary Basin forms in a mid continent setting (intra cratonic). These basins have continental sediments, from a nearby provenance (mountain range) and are often coal and gas prone. Australia typically has plenty of … Read More
Author Archives: Andy McGee
Carbon Dioxide – 009
We just looked at hydrogen gas, so let’s continue with the gas theme and look at carbon dioxide (CO2). As we have seen it is essential to life as part of the carbon cycle. Plants can not grow without CO2. … Read More
Hydrogen – 008
Good to see that Honda has their new Hydrogen car the FCV Clarity for sale – expected price $60,000 (US?) and range over 700 km. There are only about 20 hydrogen (H2) retail outlets around the world but we do have … Read More
Geology Sedimentary Processes – 007
The earth is a spheroid (nearly a sphere) about 12700 km in diameter, depending on exactly where you measure it (there is an equatorial bulge and various bumps). Most of the planet is molten, although the central part is predicted … Read More
Measurement and Models – 006
As I suggested in the first blog, if it can’t be measured then energy does not exist (as far as science is concerned). It’s important to distinguish the stuff that has been measured to some degree of accuracy, the stuff … Read More
Tags: estimation, hotspot, models, typhoon Tip, weather models
Hydrocarbons – 005
Hydrocarbons – What are they? As discussed in blog 3 solar energy, water and carbon dioxide create carbohydrates by photosynthesis in plants. Animals eat the plants creating more complex carbohydrates (carbon, hydrogen and oxygen molecules). When these decay without oxygen … Read More
Solar part 2 and Nuclear waste- 004
Nuclear Waste The International Panel on Fissile Materials has stated that “placing spent nuclear fuel in repositories hundreds of metres below the surface would be safer than indefinite storage on the surface”. Many countries have come up with experimental test … Read More
Solar Energy – 003
Basics Solar energy is the best stuff we have. We can use it directly at little cost for heating and drying and we obviously should whenever this is possible. Avoid artificial clothes dryers and organise building to effectively use the sun. We … Read More
Nuclear Fission – Energy 002
Nuclear Basics With the news that South Australia wants to join the Nuclear Waste disposal market I thought I might attempt a highly controversial subject. First of all how do we get energy from Nuclear fission? Courtesy of the Energy … Read More
Tags: Binding Energy, Lucas heights, NIMBY, Nuclear Fission, thorium, Uranium
Basic Energy Theory – Energy – 001
I will try my hand at a basic science blog tackling complex and controversial issues like Energy and Climate. As a practicing Geophysicist I have had plenty of exposure to these areas. My basic tenet is to be as even … Read More
Tags: coal, Energy, nuclear energy, oil and gas, solar energy, wind energy