Geysers and Geothermal Energy

Geysers. What makes them work? Many who have seen a geyser in action know only that it spouts hot water into the air. Many others have never seen one. Chapter 1, Geysers of the World, delineates their distinguishing features, locates the geyser regions of the world, and places investigations by world travelers and scientists in historic perspective. One of the quickest ways to become acquainted with a geyser is to observe it. The descriptions of several well known geysers, some based on past observations by others, but frequently by me, do not neces sarily portray current behavior. They do, however, represent general features. Geysers exist as a result of a delicate and unique interplay among the heat, the water, and the rocks of the earth. In essence, heat and water must be available, transported, distributed, stored, and finally released. Chapter 2, The Geologic, Thermal, and Hydrologic State of the Earth, especially that close to its surface, sets the stage for Chapter 3, Fundamentals of Geyser Operation. The geyser is treated here as a simple system consisting of three major interacting elements: a source of water, a source of heat, and a reservoir for storing water. The discus sion centers around the actions occurring within idealized columnar and pool geysers, and more complex systems. Some of the more workable geyser theories are evaluated.

Contenu

1 Geysers of the World.- 1.1 Introduction.- 1.2 The Geyser as a Geographic and Geologic Feature.- 1.3 Geyser Studies.- 1.4 Behavioral Characteristics of Some Geysers.- 2 The Geologic, Thermal, and Hydrologic State of the Earth.- 2.1 Geologic Features of the Earth.- 2.2 The Earth as a Source of Heat.- 2.3 Transport and Distribution of Heat.- 2.4 Storage of Heat.- 2.5 Heat Efflux.- 3 Fundamentals of Geyser Operation.- 3.1 Essential Elements of a Geyser.- 3.2 Properties of Water and Steam.- 3.3 Geysering from a Pool: Fountain or Pool Geysers.- 3.4 Geysering from a Pipe: Columnar or Cone Geysers.- 3.5 Complex Geyser Systems.- 4 The Role of Gases in Geysers.- 4.1 Formation and Evolution of Gases.- 4.2 Theory of Effects of Gases.- 4.3 Gassy Geysers.- 5 Chemistry of Geothermal Waters.- 5.1 Water Sources.- 5.2 Composition of Geothermal Fluids.- 5.3 Water Movements and Contacts: Geothermometry.- 5.4 Solubility of Rocks; Rock Alteration by Thermal Waters.- 6 Geyser Area Complexes.- 6.1 Fumaroles, Mud Pots, and Spouters.- 6.2 Nonerupting Hot Springs; Boiling Springs.- 6.3 Temperature Regimes within Geysers.- 6.4 Interactions among Geysers.- 7 Environmental Aspects of Geysers.- 7.1 General.- 7.2 Mineral Deposition.- 7.3 Plant and Animal Life.- 7.4 Ground Noise and Seismicity.- 8 Temporal Changes in Geyser Activity and Their Causes.- 8.1 General Nature of the Changes.- 8.2 Bimodal Eruption Patterns.- 8.3 Climatic, Seasonal, and Barometric Effects.- 8.4 Earthquake Effects.- 8.5 Earth Tidal Effects.- 9 Man's Influence on Geyser Activity.- 9.1 Some Man-Made Geysers.- 9.2 Changing the Activity of Geysers.- 10 Practical Uses of Geothermal Fluids.- 10.1 Introduction.- 10.2 Characteristics of Exploited Geothermal Areas.- 10.3 Agricultural and Other Husbandry Uses.- 10.4 Space Heating and Cooling.- 10.5 Industrial Processing.- 10.6 Electric Power Production.- 10.7 Economic and Environmental Aspects.- Geologic Time (Stratigraphie Column).- References.