The mad science of drilling the earth with Austin Vernon
Complex Systems with Patrick McKenzie (patio11)
Exploring Geological Hydrogen and Earth's Geothermal Energy
Geological hydrogen refers to naturally occurring hydrogen gas produced from superheated iron-dense rock, which breaks down water into oxygen and hydrogen. While the hydrogen serves as a potent energy source with a higher mass-to-volume ratio compared to oil, it requires constant replenishment due to its limited storage. This process taps into latent waste heat from the Earth, transferring it to usable locations for human consumption. The oxygen released during this process becomes locked in the rocks, emphasizing the importance of understanding the reduction potential in these geological formations. Additionally, geothermal energy sources are sustained primarily through the breakdown of trace radioactive elements, countering the misconception that Earth's core heat remains static. This dynamic heat generation creates additional energy over time, contradicting the belief in a simple equilibrium state. Despite the low heat flux from geothermal sources, their potential lies in mining the pre-existing heat trapped within dense rocks, rather than solely relying on ongoing heat generation.
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