Geothermal Energy
Definition
Geothermal energy refers to the heat stored within Earth's crust, which can be extracted and utilized for heating buildings or generating electricity. It relies on tapping into hot rocks or underground reservoirs of steam or hot water.
Analogy
Think of geothermal energy as a natural hot spring. Just like how we can use the heat from hot springs to warm ourselves, geothermal power plants harness the Earth's internal heat to produce electricity and provide heating for homes.
Related terms
Geothermal Heat Pumps: Systems that utilize the constant temperature of the ground to efficiently heat or cool buildings.
Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS): Techniques used to create artificial reservoirs by injecting water into hot rocks, increasing geothermal energy production.
Direct Use: Utilizing geothermal energy directly without converting it into electricity, such as for heating greenhouses or spas.
"Geothermal Energy" appears in:
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Practice Questions (7)
What type of energy is geothermal energy?
How is geothermal energy generated?
What is one way that geothermal energy can be harnessed?
What is a benefit of geothermal energy?
What is a drawback of geothermal energy?
What is a characteristic of geothermal energy?
What is a benefit of geothermal energy in terms of land use?
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