One of the many obstacles for hopeful settlers is the need for power and heat on these barren landscapes. Some geologists and other scientists theorize that geothermal energy may be the answer.
Basalt
Dark grey fine grained volcanic rock composed of plagioclase, pyroxene and olivine, with relatively low silica (45-52 wt %). The composition reflects an upper mantle origin. Basalt is the most common type of volcanic rock on Earth, and it erupts from mid-ocean spreading ridges and hot spots (e.g., Hawaii and Iceland). The intrusive coarsely crystalline igneous rock equivalent is called gabbro.
Geothermal Glossary
Word of the Week – Chemical Geothermometer
Chemical Geothermometer A temperature that is calculated based on the chemical composition of a hydrothermal fluid and involves knowing a ratio (e.g., Na/K) or knowing the absolute concentration of a species (e.g., SiO2). Temperature is computed using a simple...
Word of the Week – Chlorite
Chlorite A micaceous mineral that is commonly green-colored, composed of iron and/or magnesium, and forms due to hydrothermal alteration of amphiboles, pyroxenes, and feldspars.
Word of the Week – Conduction
Conduction For geothermal applications, this refers to heat transfer in solids where thermal energy flows via microscopic-submicroscopic collisions of particles, which at a macro level is seen as solid-state diffusion. A vertical conductive thermal gradient is linear...