ACTIVITY 6: VOLCANO: ADVANTAGE OR DISADVANTAGE?

Geothermal energy is one of those sources of energy that might be able to solve a lot of
the planet's energy problems - the Earth has a lot of heat it is trying to get rid of, so taking that
heat and turning into energy seems like an easy way to stop using fossil fuels and the like.

However, one aspect that gets people riled is whether drilling into areas of active
magmatism might actually cause volcanism or volcanic eruptions. There was a controversy
sparked in the Philippines when 20 earthquakes were felt soon after drilling for a new
geothermal prospect on Canlaon Volcano. Now, as many of you know, "correlation does not
mean causation" - that is, just because you had drilling and seismicity, it doesn't mean that the
two are related. In fact, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology
(PHIVOLCS) cannot even determine whether the earthquakes were volcanic, tectonic or
something. However, what can be said is that little to no seismicity has been recorded at
Canlaon since these tremors, even with new seismometers in place around the volcano. There
have been a number of research drilling programs that attempted to drill directly into the active
parts of the volcano and neither of these drilling programs had any effect on the eruptive
activity at the respective volcanoes. There are instances that, you do hit areas where steam can
cause an explosion in the drill hole. With that, the National Risk Reduction and Management
Council (NDRRMC) must do their very best to inform and educate the public about this matter.
Also, they must be well prepared to every situation that might happen.

Today, geothermal energy infrastructure exists primarily at two scales: residential and
large-scale industrial. The ten largest capturing sites are located across the globe in North
America, Southeast Asia, Iceland, and Italy. Of these plants, 3 are located in the Philippines. The
largest of the Philippine geothermal power plants, the Makban Geothermal Complex (also
known as Makiling Banahaw), is located approximately 26 km from Taal Volcano, only 11 km
outside of the 14 km evacuation zone. Upon further investigation, the other plants like the Tiwi
Geothermal Complex, are also near active volcanoes. More than ¼ of the energy in the
Philippines is geothermal energy, which takes advantage of its position on a geothermal
hotspot. Indeed, geothermal energy helps people in many ways, but it also has its
disadvantages. Due to dwelling and drilling, there might be a cast or release of harmful gases.
ACTIVITY 5: GEOTHERMAL ENERGY

1. Geothermal energy comes from deep inside the earth. The most active geothermal resources are
usually found along major tectonic plate boundaries where most volcanoes are located. One of the most
active geothermal areas in the world is called the Ring of Fire, which encircles the Pacific Ocean.

2. Experts say geothermal energy is cleaner, more efficient, and more cost-effective than burning fossil
fuels, and it can reduce our dependence on foreign oil. Geothermal energy is clean because it can be
generated without burning fossil fuels. In addition, the energy is generated right near the plant, it saves
on processing and transportation costs compared to other types of fuel. Geothermal plants are also
considered to be more reliable than coal or nuclear plants because they can run consistently, 24 hours a
day, 365 days a year.

3. The cost of drilling wells to the geothermal reservoir is very expensive. Add the cost of heating, and
cooling system installation and the cost goes even higher. Although there is a predictable Return On
Investment (ROI), it might not happen fast. Also, underneath the earth’s surface, there is a substantial
amount of greenhouse gasses. The harnessing of the heat can potentially lead to the migration of these
gasses to the surface of the earth and pollute the air.

4. Geothermal Energy is not always renewable energy source because the over time extraction of heat
from earth's crust may cause depletion, resulting to some geothermal wells cool down and run out of
water. Hence, Geo-Sciences group are always in the search of areas where possible source of steam.

ACTIVITY 2: ACTIVE OR INACTIVE

1. ACTIVE

2. INACTIVE

3. INACTIVE

4. ACTIVE

5. ACTIVE

6. ACTVE

7 INACTIVE

8 ACTIVE
9 ACTIVE

10 INACTIVE