Geothermal energy
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Power from the heat deep inside the Earth
Geothermal energy is a type of energy that comes from the natural heat inside the earth. The word geothermal comes from two Greek words: geo, meaning Earth, and therme, meaning heat. The deeper we go underground, the hotter it gets. This heat comes from hot rocks and magma, the melted rock beneath the Earth’s crust. In some places, the heat reaches the surface in the form of hot springs, geysers, or steam vents.
People have used geothermal energy for thousands of years. In ancient times, people bathed in hot springs for warmth and relaxation. Today, we use this energy in more advanced ways. Geothermal power plants use hot water and steam from underground to turn turbines, which generate electricity. In some areas, pipes carry hot water from beneath the ground directly into buildings to provide heating.
There are different kinds of geothermal energy systems. Some use naturally occurring steam or hot water found in volcanic areas. Others pump water deep underground, where it gets heated by hot rocks, and then bring it back to the surface. This heat can be used for power generation or to heat homes and greenhouses. Even in places without volcanoes, geothermal heat pumps can use the steady underground temperature to help keep buildings warm in winter and cool in summer.
Geothermal energy is considered a renewable resource because the Earth’s heat is always being produced. It is also clean energy—it doesn’t burn fuel or release much pollution. This makes it a good choice for reducing greenhouse gases that cause climate change. Unlike wind or solar power, geothermal energy can provide electricity all day and night, because the heat underground never runs out.
However, geothermal energy is easier to use in some places than others. Countries like iceland, the philippines, and New Zealand have many volcanoes and hot springs, making them ideal for geothermal power. In other areas, drilling deep into the Earth to reach the heat can be expensive and difficult.
Geothermal energy is one of the ways people are learning to use Earth’s natural power wisely. By using this steady, clean heat, we can make electricity, warm our homes, and help protect the planet for future generations.
People have used geothermal energy for thousands of years. In ancient times, people bathed in hot springs for warmth and relaxation. Today, we use this energy in more advanced ways. Geothermal power plants use hot water and steam from underground to turn turbines, which generate electricity. In some areas, pipes carry hot water from beneath the ground directly into buildings to provide heating.
There are different kinds of geothermal energy systems. Some use naturally occurring steam or hot water found in volcanic areas. Others pump water deep underground, where it gets heated by hot rocks, and then bring it back to the surface. This heat can be used for power generation or to heat homes and greenhouses. Even in places without volcanoes, geothermal heat pumps can use the steady underground temperature to help keep buildings warm in winter and cool in summer.
Geothermal energy is considered a renewable resource because the Earth’s heat is always being produced. It is also clean energy—it doesn’t burn fuel or release much pollution. This makes it a good choice for reducing greenhouse gases that cause climate change. Unlike wind or solar power, geothermal energy can provide electricity all day and night, because the heat underground never runs out.
However, geothermal energy is easier to use in some places than others. Countries like iceland, the philippines, and New Zealand have many volcanoes and hot springs, making them ideal for geothermal power. In other areas, drilling deep into the Earth to reach the heat can be expensive and difficult.
Geothermal energy is one of the ways people are learning to use Earth’s natural power wisely. By using this steady, clean heat, we can make electricity, warm our homes, and help protect the planet for future generations.
What We Can Learn
- Geothermal energy comes from heat inside the Earth.
- It can be used to make electricity and to heat buildings.
- It is a clean and renewable source of energy.
- Some countries with volcanoes use a lot of geothermal power.
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