Geothermal energy

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Geothermal Energy

Geothermal energy (pronunciation: /ˌdʒiːoʊˈθɜːrməl ˈɛnərdʒi/) is a type of renewable energy that is generated and stored in the Earth. The word geothermal comes from the Greek words geo (earth) and therme (heat).

Etymology

The term "geothermal" originates from the Greek words "Geo" meaning earth and "Therme" meaning heat. Thus, geothermal essentially means earth's heat.

Definition

Geothermal energy is the heat that comes from the sub-surface of the earth. It is contained in the rocks and fluids beneath the earth's crust and can be found as far down to the earth's hot molten rock, magma.

Extraction and Use

To harness geothermal energy, geothermal power plants are used. These plants channel hot steam and water from beneath the Earth's surface to run electricity-generating turbines. This energy can be used for heating and cooling homes, growing plants in greenhouses, drying crops, heating water at fish farms, and several industrial processes such as pasteurizing milk.

Related Terms

  • Geothermal gradient: It is the rate of increasing temperature with respect to increasing depth in the Earth's interior. It indicates the heat flow within the Earth.
  • Geothermal reservoir: These are regions of the Earth's subsurface that have been discovered and are accessible for extraction of geothermal heat.
  • Geothermal power plant: These are facilities that generate electricity by harnessing heat energy from the Earth's interior.
  • Geothermal heating: It is the direct use of geothermal energy for heating applications.

External links

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