10 Questions
What is geothermal energy?
Geothermal energy is heat energy located under the surface of the Earth, often found near tectonic plates where movements allow heat to push through from the Earth's core.
How does geothermal energy work?
Geothermal energy works by utilizing heat pumps to extract heat from beneath the Earth's surface and use it to directly heat or cool buildings.
What are the primary uses of geothermal energy?
The primary uses of geothermal energy are for heating buildings and generating electricity.
What is the main advantage of geothermal energy?
Geothermal energy is more stable than other renewable resources.
What are the disadvantages of geothermal energy?
Localized earthquakes, sinking of the ground, limited locations, high initial cost, and potential toxic chemicals.
What are some examples of natural sources of geothermal energy?
Geysers, hot springs, lava flows, and fumaroles.
What are some manmade examples of geothermal energy?
Geothermal heated homes and geothermal power plants.
What are the three main types of geothermal power plants?
Dry steam, flash steam, binary cycle
What is the purpose of geothermal heat pumps?
Heating and cooling buildings
What are the advantages of geothermal energy?
Renewability
Study Notes
What is Geothermal Energy
- Geothermal energy is heat energy located under the Earth's surface, often found near tectonic plates.
- This heat is pushed through from the Earth's core, resulting in volcanoes and hot springs.
History of Geothermal Energy
- Indigenous peoples used hot springs 10,000 years ago in North America for gatherings, healing, cooking, and escaping harsh winters.
- Ancient Greece and Rome used hot springs medicinally and for heating buildings.
Uses of Geothermal Energy
- The two primary uses of geothermal energy are for heating and generating electricity.
- Geothermal energy can be used directly for heat or to generate electricity through steam.
How Geothermal Energy Works
- Geothermal heat pumps use liquid cooled and heated beneath the Earth's surface to directly heat and cool buildings.
- Steam from geothermal sources can be used to rotate a turbine, generating electricity.
Is Geothermal Energy Renewable?
- Geothermal energy is renewable because heat is constantly produced at the Earth's core through radioactive decay.
- However, individual geothermal plants can become cold if the heat is used more quickly than it can be replenished.
Types of Geothermal Power Plants
- Dry Steam Plant: accesses steam that already exists underground, using it to spin turbines that generate electricity.
- Flash Steam Plant: generates steam from high-temperature water, using it to power turbines.
- Binary Cycle Plant: conserves water by pumping it underground to be heated, then using the heat to produce steam.
Geothermal Heat Pumps
- Geothermal heat pumps operate on a smaller scale, used for heating and cooling buildings.
- Water or liquid is piped underground, heated or cooled, and then used to heat or cool a building.
Geothermal Energy: Pros and Cons
Advantages of Geothermal Energy
- Renewable and constantly renewed.
- Cleaner and cheaper than fossil fuels.
- Stable and unaffected by seasonal changes.
- Can be used for small or large applications.
Disadvantages of Geothermal Energy
- Can cause localized earthquakes due to injecting water into the Earth.
- Can cause the ground to sink as reservoirs beneath are disturbed.
- Limited to locations near tectonic plates.
- High initial cost to start a geothermal power plant.
- Risk of toxic chemicals contaminating water supplies.
Test your knowledge on geothermal energy with this quiz! Learn about the definition of geothermal energy, how it is generated, and its various applications in heat and electricity production. Challenge yourself and become an expert in understanding how geothermal energy works.
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