Geothermal Energy. What is it and how does it produce energy?
Geothermal energy is heat energy that comes from the earth. The source of its energy is molten rock beneath the earth’s surface. It reaches temperatures up to 6000 degrees. This is a result of radioactive core materials decaying. The molten rock and steam reach high pressure and temperatures and is constantly seeking a way out to the surface. In some parts of the world the earth’s crust is very thin and geothermal activity is high. These places are known as “Belts”. Cracks and faults in these areas allow the steam to escape from within the earth. Water finds it’s way down the cracks and the water is then heated. It comes to the earth’s surface as hot springs. The Romans took advantage of this and built bathing places. These were mainly used as healing or pleasure baths because they were thought to have healing powers due to the high mineral content in the water.
It wasn’t until the 19th century that geothermal energy was used for other types of power like electricity. The people of that time did this by creating turbine generators, which harnessed the energy in the s
· Geothermal energy creates electricity cheaper and cleaner than using coal.
(Environmental, Economic and Technological)
· What happens if we take the heated water from underground and don’t return it at all? Will this deplete the quality and depth of the resource and cause the water levels to sink?