What is Geothermal Energy?

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Questions and Answers

Where is geothermal energy often located?

Near the Earth's core

Near the planet's surface

Near the North Pole

Near tectonic plates (correct)

What is one of the primary uses of geothermal energy?

Generating electricity (correct)

Irrigating crops

Cooling buildings

Powering vehicles

How hot does the steam need to be to generate electricity from geothermal sources?

Between 100 and 200 degrees Fahrenheit

Between 300 and 700 degrees Fahrenheit (correct)

Between 50 and 100 degrees Celsius

Above 1000 degrees Kelvin

What was one of the uses of hot springs in ancient Greece and Rome?

Medicinal purposes Signup and view all the answers

What is an advantage of heating a building using geothermal energy?

It is more cost effective than using fossil fuels Signup and view all the answers

What is a unique advantage of geothermal energy compared to other renewable resources?

It is unaffected by seasonal changes Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary source of heat for geothermal energy?

Heat from the Earth's core Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between dry steam and flash steam geothermal power plants?

Dry steam plants use existing steam, while flash steam plants generate steam from high-temperature water Signup and view all the answers

What is a major drawback of building a geothermal power plant?

It can cause localized earthquakes Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of binary cycle geothermal power plants?

To conserve water while generating steam Signup and view all the answers

What is a limitation of geothermal energy in terms of its accessibility?

It is limited to areas near tectonic plates Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between geothermal power plants and geothermal heat pumps?

Geothermal power plants generate electricity, while geothermal heat pumps do not Signup and view all the answers

What is an environmental concern associated with geothermal power plants?

They can contaminate nearby water supplies Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a natural geothermal energy source?

Hot spring Signup and view all the answers

How long do geothermal heat pumps typically last?

20-25 years Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

What is Geothermal Energy?

Geothermal energy is heat energy located under the Earth's surface, often near tectonic plates.
This energy is carried to the surface and used for heat and electricity.
Some heat is generated from the radioactive decay of materials in the Earth's core, and some is a byproduct of the planet's formation process.

History of Geothermal Energy

Humans have used geothermal energy for at least 10,000 years, with evidence of its use found in North America, Ancient Greece, and Rome.
Hot springs were used for healing, cooking, and escaping harsh weather, as well as for heating buildings.

Uses of Geothermal Energy

The two primary uses of geothermal energy are for heating and generating electricity.
Geothermal heat pumps can directly heat and cool buildings using liquid cooled and heated beneath the Earth's surface.
Direct heat can be generated from geothermal heat pumps or by pumping hot water from hot springs to warm buildings.
Generating electricity requires steam from geothermal sources, which is used to rotate a turbine and power an electricity generator.

Is Geothermal Energy Renewable?

Yes, geothermal energy is renewable, as heat is constantly being produced at the Earth's core.
However, individual geothermal plants can become cold if the heat is used more quickly than it can be replenished.

Geothermal Power Plants

Geothermal power plants use steam from heated water underground to generate electricity.
The three main types of geothermal power plants are:
- Dry Steam Plant: uses existing steam underground to generate electricity.
- Flash Steam Plant: generates steam by pumping high-temperature water into a low-pressure area.
- Binary Cycle Plant: conserves water while generating steam by using an organic liquid with a lower boiling point than water.

Geothermal Pumps

Geothermal heat pumps operate on a smaller scale, used for heating and cooling buildings.
Water or another liquid is piped underground, where it is either heated in the winter or cooled in the summer.
Geothermal heat pumps generally last for 20-25 years, 5-10 years longer than conventional heat systems.

Geothermal Energy: Pros and Cons

Advantages of Geothermal Energy

Renewable: heat energy is constantly renewed as long as the Earth is inhabitable.
Clean: water vapor is usually the only emission, making it great for sustainability and carbon concerns.
Stable: does not require wind or sunlight to operate and is unaffected by seasonal changes.
Cost-effective: cheaper than fossil fuels, with smaller land and resource requirements.
Adaptable: can be used for small or large applications, and adapts to various conditions and requirements.

Disadvantages of Geothermal Energy

Can cause localized earthquakes due to injecting water into the Earth.
Power plants can cause the ground to slowly sink as reservoirs beneath are disturbed.
Limited location: generally limited to areas near tectonic plates.
High initial costs: starting a geothermal power plant can be expensive, making it inaccessible to many developing countries.
Environmental concerns: can acquire toxic chemicals like mercury and arsenic from the water being pumped underground.

Geothermal Energy Examples

Natural examples: geysers, hot springs, lava flows, fumaroles.
Manmade examples: geothermal heated homes, geothermal power plants.

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Description

Geothermal energy is heat energy located under the Earth's surface, often near tectonic plates, used for heat and electricity. It works through geothermal heat pumps and pipes that carry heat to the surface.