Policy and Science of Geothermal Heat Use at McMurdo Station, Antarcrtica

• Main Author: Alvine, Joe
• Format: Text
• Language: unknown
• Published: DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln 2010
• Subjects: student research; environmental studies program; undergraduate thesis; Antarctica; geothermal heat pumps; Environmental Health and Protection; Environmental Indicators and Impact Assessment; Environmental Monitoring; Environmental Sciences; Geochemistry; Geology; Geomorphology; Glaciology; Natural Resources Management and Policy; Oil; Gas; and Energy; Other Earth Sciences; Other Environmental Sciences; Sustainability; McMurdo Station; Antarc*
• Online Access: https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/envstudtheses/36; https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/envstudtheses/article/1039/viewcontent/auto_convert.pdf

My thesis research project deals with the use of geothermal heat in Antarctica. Currently it is not allowed due to article 7 of the 1991 Protocol on Environmental Protection that placed a 50 moratorium on the exploitation of mineral resources. The US main base in Antarctica, McMurdo Station is currently powered by diesel generators that are inefficient, cause environmental damage, and is expensive to run. By exploring alternative energy options, McMurdo Station can reduce its dependence on non-renewable energy sources. By determining the geothermal potential of McMurdo Station, this project explores the possibilities and benefits that would occur with the utilization of geothermal heat at McMurdo Station.