Geothermal is an energy source that does not originate from the sun (along with nuclear) although the sun probably helped originally. The majority of the planet is very hot, molten rock with a thin, cool, solid crust. We can access … Read More
Energy
Wind – 016
Wind energy is another form of solar. The sun causes uneven heating across the earth’s surface, creating convection currents and pressure differences which result in air molecules flowing from high to low pressure regions. This is complicated by the earth’s … Read More
Hydro – 015
Heat from the sun evaporates vast amounts of water from the oceans which fall as rain and snow, creating large rivers and lakes. This process of evaporation creates potential energy when stored in lakes and kinetic energy in flowing rivers. … Read More
Energy Mix – 013
An article in today’s paper suggested that South Australia would be powered by 100% renewable energy. As no time frame was given, this may be perfectly correct in some distant future. But what is meant by the statement and how … 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
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
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