Dictionary of Energy

Environment. System pour L Observation de la Terre; a program of earth-observing satellites and sensors, used especially for environmental data.
Economics. a market in which commodities, such as crude oil, are purchased in cash for immediate delivery (i.e., bought on the spot ). Thus, spot price, spot pur chase.
Strategic Petroleum Reserve.
Mining. 1. a short piece of wood placed between the spokes of a wheel or dug into the ground to prevent the movement of a mine vehicle. 2. a wooden prop positioned on a slant to support a mine roof or prevent coal from flying during blasting.
Mining. a mine road so steep that mine cars require sprags between their wheel spokes to slow their descent.
Social Issues. a term for land-use patterns characterized by relatively low density of people and economic activity, high use of private vehicles, extensive road networks, and little or no opportunity to travel via mass transit; associated with newly developed areas without formalized growth strategy.
Materials. a polyurethane substance used as an insulating material for rooftops, building spaces, water heaters, and refrigerated transport. Two liquid components are combined and sprayed onto a surface to form SPF; the components react and harden to form a rigid, waterproof insulating layer.
Materials. a deposition process in...