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Earth Science

1. U.S. energy use for/in vehicles has changed because of technological improvement; indicate one of the improvements that have led to this specific change.

One of the key towards the usage of more geothermal power is by use of greater public awareness whereby the members of the public are going to be taught the advantages of the entire functionality of geothermal energy in the country. In this case, there will be emphasis on the several sources of geothermal energy around the country to the public and other issues such as the advantages of geothermal power and carbon emissions would also be highlighted. Through doing this, members of the public will automatically or gradually become aware of the potential held by US as a country and they would thus be inclined to push the government to more deep rooted exploitation of renewable power since the public possesses a certain degree of influence and effect towards government policies.

2. U.S. energy use for/in power production has changed because of technological improvement; indicate one of the improvements that have led to this specific change.

One major improvement that can be cited is the easy transportation as well as the availability of fossil fuels. For example, there is coal in this case. Its importance as well as advantage is the high efficiency of coal burning plants. Numerous other improvements highlighted in the film include the IGCC plant, the progress in use of solar or wind for energy, the new nuclear plant.

3. U.S. power distribution has changed because of technological improvement; indicate one of the improvements that have led to this specific change.

Modern technology that has been used to improve alternative energy sources like geothermal power include (EGS) or in other words, the enhanced geothermal systems. Another name that can be used to refer to this is geothermal power generation systems. A notable improvement that cannot b left behind in this case, also, is the digital revolution that has resulted to the smartening of the entire electric grid that is in existence.

4. What are the three ‘innovations’ that have led to extraction and use of shale gas?

The most notable is 3d seismic imaging use to see deposits in the underground. Thus, in this case, activities that could otherwise prove cumbersome can be duly performed when no a great deal of work has been applied, given the existence of technology.

There is also the existence of directional drilling

Frapping-ability that is used to hit rock to extract gas also applies.

5. Oil imports have dropped in recent years in the U.S. Indicate 3 reasons why.

Use of solar energy as a substitute of oil

Wind energy on the other hand is a mature technology characterized by low operating costs.

Use of nuclear energy

6. CO2 emission in the U.S. is on a downward trajectory; WHY?

Use of the existing alternative energy sources

Government rules as well as regulations that have banned excessive use of energy sources that emit the gas

Recession that reduce pollution

7. Indicate any three things that have driven the changes noted in the above questions.

While energy acts as a crucial part of life in the US, the manner in which the country convert potential energy into kinetic energy will act as the energy leading the country towards harmonic balance with the universe lest devastating effects of global warming caused by excessive use of fossil fuels as well as emission of greenhouse gases catches up with them.

The total energy amount or matter existing freely in the Universe has always remained constant, but usually changes from one form to another.

The technology that is currently in use and that is being employed to harness energy in fossil fuels has been well developed. The main reason for this is because fossil fuels have been used in a wide proportion to power the entire world for a long time.

8. Were these changes planned, or unexpected?

Some of these changes were expected. For instance, there came the introduction of the energy policy act. This act has brought forward the agenda of increasing coal as an energy source while at the same time reducing air pollution in a reasonable proportion, through authorization of $200 million annually in support of clean coal initiatives. This will in turn help in repealing the current 160-acre (0.65 km2) cap on all coal leases, thus allowing advanced payment of royalties from coal mines as well as requiring a professional assessment of all the coal resources that rest on federal lands that cannot be referred to as national parks. Minor changes were unexpected as a result of lack of prediction to this end. Instances of unanticipated changes incorporate the high rise in levels of natural gas, levels of oil price, implication of new shale supplies of gas, as well as decline in US dependence on any oil imports.

9. What is the projected U.S. energy growth going to ‘look’ like through 2035?

According to the projections, the slow as well as extended economic recovery will slow down the energy use. However, there will be increased energy efficiency. Before the turn of 2040, the energy use will have increased by about 7%.

10. What about growth for renewable through 2035?

Renewable are roughly projected to grow from 8%-15% by 2035 as a result of electricity generation at the state level, as well as the renewal fuel standard. By 2040, there are projections that the levels will be at 50% of the levels that existed in 2005. This is in relation with the effect of energy to the dollar.

11. What about growth for shale gas and tight gas through 2035?

By 2035, co2 emissions will have increased by 2%. There will be a decrease in the petroleum consumption projected to be 72% of total liquid fuel supply.

12. List the topics that the six presenters talked on.Karen Palmer talked on energy efficiency.

Richard Meserve talked on nuclear energy

Jeff Holmstead talks on coal as a form of energy

Frank Verrsatro spoke on oil.

Doug Arent spoke on renewable forms of energy.

Alan Krupnick talked on natural gas

13. Choose any three of the presentations to listen to; write a 2-3 sentence summary for each of the three

Coal as a form of energy by Jeff HolmsteadThe speaker points out that a decline in coal use decreases co2 emission.

Nuclear energy by Richard MeserveThe speaker highlighted the importance of ensuring efficiency and safety in generation of nuclear energy.

Oil by Frank Verrsatro

The speaker dwelt on the manner in which the USA has reduced its oil usage and dependence.