Geothermal energy

Definition

Geothermal energy is the heat that comes from the sub-surface of the earth, where temperatures can reach several thousand degrees Celsius. This natural heat is harnessed for various purposes, including electricity generation and direct heating applications, and is closely linked to geological processes associated with plate tectonics. The movement of tectonic plates can lead to volcanic activity, hot springs, and geysers, all of which are key sources of geothermal energy.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Geothermal energy is a renewable resource, meaning it can be naturally replenished and used sustainably over time.
2. Countries like Iceland and the Philippines have significant geothermal energy production due to their location on tectonic plate boundaries.
3. Geothermal power plants can operate continuously and provide a reliable source of energy, unlike solar or wind energy which are dependent on weather conditions.
4. The extraction of geothermal energy can result in lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuels, making it an environmentally friendly energy source.
5. Geothermal resources are categorized into three types: low-temperature resources for direct use, medium-temperature resources for power generation, and high-temperature resources primarily for electricity production.

Review Questions

• How does the movement of tectonic plates contribute to the availability of geothermal energy?
  • The movement of tectonic plates is fundamental to the formation of geothermal energy sources. As plates shift and interact at their boundaries, they can create conditions for volcanic activity, resulting in features like hot springs and geysers. These geological processes allow heat from the Earth's interior to reach the surface, making it accessible for harnessing as geothermal energy. Thus, regions near active tectonic plate boundaries often have abundant geothermal resources.
• Evaluate the environmental impacts of utilizing geothermal energy compared to fossil fuels.
  • Utilizing geothermal energy has several environmental advantages over fossil fuels. Geothermal power plants typically produce far fewer greenhouse gas emissions since they rely on the Earth's natural heat rather than burning fossil fuels. Additionally, the land footprint of geothermal facilities can be smaller than traditional power plants. However, potential environmental impacts can include land subsidence and induced seismicity from drilling. Overall, when managed responsibly, geothermal energy offers a cleaner alternative for sustainable energy production.
• Discuss how advancements in technology could enhance the efficiency of geothermal energy extraction and its contribution to global energy needs.
  • Advancements in technology hold great potential to improve the efficiency of geothermal energy extraction. For instance, enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) allow for the utilization of previously untapped geothermal resources by artificially creating reservoirs in hot dry rock formations. Additionally, improvements in drilling technology could reduce costs and increase access to deeper geothermal reservoirs. As these technologies develop, they can expand the geographic range where geothermal energy can be harvested and significantly boost its contribution to global energy needs, supporting a transition towards more sustainable energy systems.

Related terms

Tectonic Plates: Large sections of the Earth's lithosphere that move and interact at their boundaries, often causing geological phenomena like earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

Hot Springs:

Natural springs that produce heated water from geothermal energy, often found in areas with volcanic activity or tectonic movement.

Geothermal Power Plants: Facilities that convert geothermal energy into electricity by utilizing steam produced from heated water underground.