Introduction: Results from modeling of an early CO2 martian atmosphere and late Noachian climate predict that at pressures greater than a fraction of a bar, atmosphere-surface thermal coupling occurs, resulting in adiabatic cooling of high areas across Mars [1]. This effect promotes the transport of water from warmer low-lying areas to the highlands where deposition and accumulation of water ic...

This theoretical study shows the technical feasibility of self-powered geothermal desalination of groundwater sources at <100 °C. A general method and framework are developed and then applied to specific case studies. First, the analysis considers an ideal limit to performance based on exergy analysis using generalised idealised assumptions. This thermodynamic limit applies to any type of proce...

Perfect compatibility between geothermal plants and the development of the other resources of the territory (tourism, quality agriculture, etc.) is a key issue for the sustainability of the geothermal energy and its acceptance by the communities hosting the plants. Third Millennium geothermal projects are able to win this challenge. Integration in the landscape of power plants and related infra...

The geochemical energy sources for microbial primary productivity in the >70°C geothermal springs of Yellowstone National Park have not been understood. Results from phylogenetic studies of geothermal communities indicate, unexpectedly, that hydrogen-metabolizing organisms, both known and novel, dominate these communities. Hydrogen (H2) is the basis of diverse microbial metabolisms, yet little ...

Recent national focus on the value of increasing US supplies of indigenous renewable energy underscores the need for re-evaluating all alternatives, particularly those that are large and well distributed nationally. A panel was assembled in September 2005 to evaluate the technical and economic feasibility of geothermal becoming a major supplier of primary energy for US base-load generation capa...

BACKGROUND Geothermal waters contain, among other components, soluble radon gas. Alpha radioactive radon is a health hazard to humans, especially when it gets into the respiratory tract. SPA facilities that use geothermal water can be a source of an increased radiation dose to people who stay there. Based on the available literature concerning radon concentrations, we assessed exposure to radon...

In NE Iceland there are ample geothermal resources both high temperature and low temperature geothermal fields as well as boiling low-temperature or medium enthalpy resources. It is of utmost importance not to waste the energy even where the resources are ample and cascade use of the energy is desirable. Many of the high-temperature fields in the area are now being harnessed for electricity pro...