Geofuels

Erscheinungsjahr 2015
ISBN: 978-1-107-00859-5
Verlag: Cambridge University Press

Buch, Englisch, 369 Seiten, Format (B × H): 152 mm x 228 mm, Gewicht: 700 g

Our energy use and its consequences (including climate change) motivate some of the most contentious and complex public debates of our time. Although these issues are often cast in terms of renewable versus non-renewable energy, in reality both depend on finite Earth resources. The evolution of the Earth itself therefore offers a uniquely illuminating perspective from which to evaluate alternative pathways toward energy and environmental sustainability. Geofuels: Energy and the Earth systematically develops this perspective using informal, nontechnical language laced with humor. It is well suited to a broad readership, ranging from beginning university students to lifelong learners who are interested in how the Earth's past will influence their own future. It also provides simplified explanations of controversial topics, such as energy return on energy investment, peak oil, and fracking. The focus throughout is on building a sound physical understanding of how natural resources constrain our use of energy.

Autoren/Hrsg.

Carroll, Alan R. (University of Wisconsin

Carroll, Alan R.

Fachgebiete

• Geowissenschaften Umweltwissenschaften Umwelttechnik
• Technische Wissenschaften Energietechnik | Elektrotechnik Alternative und erneuerbare Energien
• Wirtschaftswissenschaften Wirtschaftssektoren & Branchen Energie- & Versorgungswirtschaft Energiewirtschaft: Alternative & Erneuerbare Energien
• Technische Wissenschaften Umwelttechnik | Umwelttechnologie Umwelttechnik
• Naturwissenschaften Physik Mechanik Energie

Inhaltsverzeichnis

1. Introduction; 2. The living Earth; 3. Warmed from above: solar energy; 4. Wind, water, and waves: energy from the fluid Earth; 5. Covered with green: biofuels basics; 6. Fossil farming: the geologic underpinnings of biofuels; 7. The light of an ancient sun: fossil fuel origins; 8. Digging for daylight: coal and oil shale; 9. Skimming the cream: conventional oil and gas; 10. Stuck in the mud: fossil fuels that fail to flow; 11. Petrified petroleum: oil sand and gas hydrate; 12. Water, water, everywhere; 13. Primordial power: geothermal and nuclear; 14. Out of sight, out of mind: geologic waste disposal; 15. How long is forever?: energy and time; 16. Conclusions.

Über Autor(innen)

Carroll, Alan R.
Alan R. Carroll is a geologist with more than 30 years of experience in academic research and the energy industry. He is currently a professor at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, where he conducts research on sedimentary basins, and he is internationally known for his contributions to the geology of ancient lakes and the tectonic evolution of western China. He also teaches a popular energy resources course. He is a founding member of the Wisconsin Energy Institute and a member of the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies, where he is a part of the Energy Analysis and Policy faculty. Carroll has worked as an exploration geologist for Sohio Petroleum and as a petroleum geochemist for the Exxon Production Research Company, and he continues to maintain active contact with the petroleum industry through his consulting company, Geofuels LLC. He is a Fellow of the Geological Society of America, a past associate editor of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists Bulletin, and a member of the American Geophysical Union and Internal Association for Limnogeology.