Publications [#268059] of Henry Petroski

Papers Published

1. Petroski, H, Geothermal energy, American Scientist, vol. 101 no. 4 (January, 2013), pp. 251-255, Sigma Xi, ISSN 0003-0996 [Gateway.cgi], [doi]
   (last updated on 2023/06/01)

   Abstract:
   Land-based people harvested peat and wood to warm their hearths, and cottage industries developed to supply the blocks and logs of fuel to those who lived in cities. On a larger scale, and with much greater risk to those who were employed in the industry, fossil fuels were mined and shipped in gargantuan quantities far and wide. Those who work on oil and gas rigs understand that they are engaged in a dangerous occupation, so generally they are paid a premium for their services. Coal, more than any other energy source, fueled the Industrial Revolution, but it left a residue of soot and other pollutants that was cursed legacy. The overall record of the industry is remarkably good, but an economy's dependence on oil can be adversely affected by supply and demand imbalances created by price manipulation, political unrest and war.