Energy and Man part 2
Part 1 of the essay is here.
Origins of Usable Energy on Earth
All to often it is erroneously assumed that all of the energy on Earth is derived from the Sun. In fact, a significant portion is derived from the supernova precursor to our solar system.
All of the heavy elements on Earth, including uranium and thorium, were created in that supernova which is, therefore, the parent of all nuclear power. Natural radioactivity, mainly from the decay of uranium and potassium isotopes, also gives rise to the heat within the Earth, the source of geothermal energy. This heat engine also drives plate tectonics, without which we would have no mountains or hydroelectric power.
Figure 4 The Sun and the supernova precursor to our solar system combined provide most if not all the energy available on Earth that is used by Mankind and other animals and plants.
Tidal energy is derived from the rotation of Earth on its axis and the orbits of the Earth-Moon and Earth-Moon-Sun systems. This angular momentum is also inherited from the condensation of matter from the Supernova. The periodicity of supernova energy flows is more regular and predictable than solar energy flows that are controlled by haphazard weather and in this regard tidal flows are much superior.
Solar energy comes in two main flavours, 1) fossil energy stores comprising the organic remnants of ancient plants and animals that have become concentrated into ore grade deposits by geological processes – coal, oil and natural gas, and 2) renewable energy flows – wind, wave and solar power. Hydroelectric power, the Rolls Royce of renewable energy, is unique in that land forms created by plate tectonics provide the stores (reservoirs) at elevation providing the gravitational potential energy to convert rain water to electricity.
Energy Stores and Energy Flows
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