Disadvantages of Geothermal Energy: Quiz and Study Guide

Question 1

Compared to solar power, a significant disadvantage of geothermal energy is:

Accepted Answer

Higher development costs

Answer

Intermittent availability

Answer

Limited environmental impact

Answer

Depletion of resource

Question 2

Which of the following is a significant disadvantage of geothermal energy?

Accepted Answer

Limited availability

Answer

High operational efficiency

Answer

Negligible environmental impact

Answer

Minimal operating costs

Question 3

The extensive drilling and exploration required for geothermal power plants contribute to which major disadvantage?

Accepted Answer

High development costs

Answer

Reliability issues

Answer

Limited potential

Answer

Environmental degradation

Question 4

In areas prone to seismic activity, geothermal energy extraction can pose a risk of:

Accepted Answer

Induced earthquakes

Answer

Landslides

Answer

Prolonged droughts

Answer

Flooding

Question 5

Which disadvantage restricts the widespread application of geothermal energy?

Accepted Answer

Geographical constraints

Answer

Technological limitations

Answer

Public reluctance

Answer

Economic viability

Question 6

Geothermal energy is not a suitable alternative in regions with:

Accepted Answer

Low geothermal gradients

Answer

High wind speeds

Answer

Large hydropower potential

Answer

Abundant solar radiation

Question 7

A challenge associated with using geothermal energy for heating and cooling is:

Accepted Answer

Intermittent availability

Answer

Visual impact

Answer

Excessive noise

Answer

High maintenance

Question 8

Compared to other renewable energy sources, geothermal energy generally has a:

Accepted Answer

Lower capacity factor

Answer

Enhanced reliability

Answer

Extended lifespan

Answer

Greater efficiency

Question 9

A primary factor hindering the use of geothermal energy in developing countries is:

Accepted Answer

Inadequate infrastructure

Answer

Public resistance

Answer

Lack of political motivation

Answer

Environmental concerns

Question 10

What is a significant factor that limits the widespread availability of geothermal energy?

Accepted Answer

Geological formations suitable for geothermal energy are not found everywhere.

Answer

Insufficient technological advancements

Answer

Lack of government incentives

Answer

Political instability in certain regions

Question 11

What is a major financial consideration in the development of geothermal energy projects?

Accepted Answer

Costs associated with drilling, equipment installation, and infrastructure development

Answer

Fuel costs for power generation

Answer

Ongoing maintenance expenses

Question 12

What is a potential long-term challenge in managing geothermal reservoirs?

Accepted Answer

Depletion of geothermal fluids over time, reducing energy production capacity

Answer

Inefficient extraction methods

Answer

Contamination of geothermal fluids

Answer

Unpredictable fluctuations in geothermal fluid flow

Question 13

Which characteristic of geothermal fluid directly influences the efficiency of geothermal power plants?

Accepted Answer

Temperature of the geothermal fluid

Answer

Size of the geothermal power plant's turbines

Answer

Volume of geothermal fluid available

Answer

Location of the geothermal power plant

Question 14

What is an environmental concern associated with the disposal of geothermal fluids after energy extraction?

Accepted Answer

Potential contamination of water resources if not disposed of properly

Answer

Noise pollution from geothermal power plants

Answer

Visual impact of geothermal power plants on the landscape

Answer

Air pollution from geothermal power plants

Question 15

Which of the following is a technical challenge encountered in extracting geothermal energy from deep reservoirs?

Accepted Answer

Extreme temperatures and high pressures encountered at great depths

Answer

Insufficient infrastructure for geothermal energy development

Answer

Stringent environmental regulations

Answer

Lack of public acceptance for geothermal energy

Question 16

What is a potential geological risk associated with geothermal energy production in areas with high seismic activity?

Accepted Answer

Induced seismicity, where geothermal operations can trigger earthquakes

Answer

Ground subsidence due to fluid extraction

Answer

Land use conflicts between geothermal projects and other land uses

Answer

Water scarcity in areas where geothermal fluids are used for cooling

Question 17

What is one major disadvantage of geothermal energy?

Accepted Answer

Limited availability of suitable geothermal resources

Answer

Minimal environmental impact

Answer

High energy efficiency

Answer

Renewable energy source

Question 18

Why are the development costs of geothermal energy high?

Accepted Answer

Drilling deep wells to access hot geothermal fluids

Answer

Transporting geothermal fluids

Answer

Maintaining power plant equipment

Answer

Conducting exploration and feasibility studies

Question 19

What is a potential environmental risk associated with geothermal energy?

Accepted Answer

Release of harmful gases, such as hydrogen sulfide

Answer

Zero waste generation

Answer

Reduced greenhouse gas emissions

Answer

Conservation of water resources

Question 20

Geothermal energy is generally unsuitable for regions with:

Accepted Answer

A low geothermal gradient

Answer

Strong wind resources

Answer

High population density

Answer

Abundant solar radiation

Question 21

Which of these is NOT a challenge in using geothermal energy for power generation?

Accepted Answer

Rapid technological advancements

Answer

Unpredictable energy output

Answer

High initial investment costs

Answer

Strict environmental regulations

Question 22

Geothermal energy is best suited for applications that require:

Accepted Answer

Consistent, reliable power (baseload)

Answer

Power during peak demand

Answer

Portable energy

Answer

Intermittent power supply

Question 23

Compared to other renewable energy sources, geothermal energy often offers:

Accepted Answer

Greater reliability

Answer

Higher energy efficiency

Answer

Smaller land footprint

Answer

Lower costs

Question 24

How can we reduce the environmental impact of geothermal energy projects?

Accepted Answer

Properly disposing of waste fluids and reinjecting them back into the ground

Answer

Lowering energy output

Answer

Increasing drilling activities

Answer

No effective solutions exist

Question 25

Why is geothermal energy not widely used for large-scale power generation?

Accepted Answer

Limited locations with suitable geothermal resources

Answer

Lack of technological advancements

Answer

Economic barriers

Answer

Public opposition

Question 26

Which factor is most important when determining the feasibility of geothermal energy in a specific location?

Accepted Answer

The geothermal gradient (heat flow from Earth's core)

Answer

Proximity to power transmission lines

Answer

Availability of skilled labor

Answer

Government incentives for renewable energy