The Potential of Energy Reservoirs and Deposits

Activity Source: American Association of Petroleum Geologists

 

Grade Levels: 6-12

Background

All countries rely on multiple energy sources to power industries, homes, and transportation. The combination of energy sources used by a nation is called their energy mix. Energy comes in many forms, and some of the most important sources are stored beneath the Earth’s surface (known as reservoirs). Each of these sources plays a critical role in generating electricity around the world. In this activity, you’ll explore six key energy reservoirs/resources: geothermal, helium, hydrogen, lithium, oil and gas, and uranium.

Materials

  • Computer with internet access

Procedure

  1. Make observations of graphs showing energy consumption in the United States.
    • Use the first graph to describe the trend for each energy source, being sure to note both times of increases and decreases in their use.
    • The second graph is a breakdown of renewable energy sources (included in the “renewables” line on the first graph). Why do you think the use of each of these energy resources started at different times in U.S. history?
    • Some of the energy sources on these graphs co-exist with each other, and some are derived from each other. Which energy sources on the graph do you think fall in each category?

 

  1. Many energy sources are stored in underground reservoirs or deposits. Use the following resources to learn about how different energy reservoirs form:

*Lithium is not an energy source, but is a raw material for energy storage technologies, like batteries.  

Analysis

  1. Describe a benefit and drawback of the use of each energy reservoir/deposit you learned about.
  2. Which of the energy reservoirs and deposits you learned about in Step 2 are not represented on the U.S. consumption graphs you analyzed in Step 1? Why do you think this is?
    • Which of these energy reservoirs do you think will have a significant increase in use in the future? Why do you think this?
    • Do you think any of these reservoirs will have a significant decrease in use in the future? Why or why not?
    • Conduct research to learn what energy experts think about the use of each type of energy reservoir.

Further Steps

Read about the potential growth of geoscience careers in geothermal energy, energy storage, subsurface exploration, and oilfield monitoring.

NGSS Connections

  • SEP: Analyzing and Interpreting Data
  • DCI: ESS3.A: Natural Resources
  • CCC: Energy and Matter

SDG Connections