Geothermal Energy and Earthquakes in Western Himalayas

Abstract

It is well corroborated that the earth is relentlessly bubbling inside since its birth and traversing continuously through a geological change. The source of this dynamism is the heat stored inside i.e. the geothermal energy, which is believed to be the product of mainly the decay of natural radio-isotopes in the crust and mantle, and in the core of earth. This heat exerts pressure towards the surface where it leads to earthquakes and geothermal events like spectacular volcanoes and fumaroles. The Himalayan Mountains are the youngest ranges amongst various developments in the crust of earth. As per the scientists and observed facts this region is the highest seismic prone zone. In our previous work we have shown, on the basis of substantial observed fact, that the intensity of earthquake can be abated by utilizing the geothermal power. In this work we focus on the state of Himachal, which falls in the base of the western Himalayas. Given the region of zone-V, the earthquake disaster management is one of the major challenges in the state. It is argued that by harnessing geothermal power from various geothermal sites in Himachal, the intensity and risk due to earthquake disaster can be made less detrimental.