Around 20 terrawatts of heat, which is about double what us humans use, originates from decaying radioactive materials such as potassium, uranium and thorium. The energy released from these materials is so powerful that they can move mountains, according to research undertaken in Japan and Italy. [Scientific American]
TSH
Wednesday, July 20, 2011 at 11:52 AM…and somehow humans are supposed to be responsible for global warming. Riiiight.
Andrew
Thursday, July 21, 2011 at 1:38 AMThe thing about nuclear reactions and radioactive decay, it that it so predictable and constant that they use it to make the most accurate clocks there are. The rate doesn’t deviate or change. If we are responsible for only 1/3 of the thermal energy, it actually highlights the significance of our impact. If you can scream and be heard while landing a jumbo passes over, then you are seriously loud.
nope
Wednesday, July 20, 2011 at 8:17 PMer, they have known this for quite a while, it keeps our core warm.