Enhanced geothermal system

High school (ages 12+)
Science & Technology

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/enhanced-geothermal-system

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the related topics?Hydraulic fracturing, reservoir engineering, rock mechanics, induced seismicity, renewable energy policy
2. What is an Enhanced Geothermal System (EGS)?EGS is a way to create a new underground heat source by making cracks in hot, dry rock so water can flow through it and capture heat. It lets us use geothermal energy where natural hot water isn't found.
3. How does EGS make electricity from hot rock?In EGS, we drill deep wells and pump water at high pressure into the hot rock. The pressure makes the rock crack, letting the water soak up heat, then it rises back up as hot steam or water to turn turbines and make electricity.

Impermeable Rock: Rock formations that do not allow fluids to pass through them easily.
Permeability: A measure of a rock's ability to allow fluids to pass through it.
Induced Seismicity: Minor earthquakes that can be triggered by human activities, such as fluid injection in underground operations.
Baseload Power: A constant, uninterrupted supply of electricity required to meet minimum demand, provided by stable energy sources.