Environmental Studies of Iceland's Unexploited Geothermal Areas

摘要

Properties of geothermal fields vary, and so do the effects of exploitation on their environment. According to Icelandic law, an environmental impact assessment is required for a planned power plant, involving a comparison of other power production possibilities for the selection of the most environmentally favorable alternative. To forecast possible changes following the exploitation of a geothermal area, the extent of natural changes occurring within the area over time must be known. To accomplish this, the area must be monitored for several years prior to exploitation.