How does a Geothermal system work? Heat is a form of energy and, strictly speaking, geothermal energy is heat from inside the Earth. The large amount of thermal energy enclosed below the earth’s surface derives in part from its primordial formation process and in part originates from the decay of radioactive isotopes present mainly in the earth’s crust and, secondarily, in the mantle. ...[Read More]
Paper focus: Plumbing the depths of magma crystallization by Hugo Moreira and co-authors
Do you know when you stumble upon a very interesting paper, with a captivating title and you wish you could talk to the author(s)? Well, I did just that. It happens that I know the first author quite well, so I had no shame in contacting him and ask about it. One of his latest papers was published in Geology with the title “Plumbing the depths of magma crystallization using 176Lu/177Hf in zi ...[Read More]
Geo-Fantasy – between Fantasy Novel and the Real World
When reading fantasy novels, we are usually brought to worlds of elves, dragons, and epic battles, all surrounded by breathtaking magical forests, or castles above impervious cliffs. However, even fantasy stories take inspiration from the real world and its geology. Who does not remember the ascent of Mount Doom of Frodo and Sam, or the importance of Dragon Glass (Obsidian) in Game of Thrones? So, ...[Read More]