6.10: Geothermal Energy

How does the heat from Geothermal energy form?

Natural radioactive decay of elements deep in earth’s core gives off heat, driving magma convection currents which carry heat to upper portion of mantle, close to earth’s surface

How does the heat from the Earth turn into energy?

Water can be piped down into the ground and be heated by the mantle, the hot water is then converted into steam, which turns a turbine.

Why is Geothermal Energy Renewable?

The heat from the earth won’t run out for a long time.

Where does the heat for a ground source heat pump come from?

It comes from the heat from the sun, which heats the rock layers.

How deep are the pipes drilled for a ground source heat pump?

10 feet

How can ground source heat pumps act as temperature regulating systems?

In the summer, heat from the home can be transferred to the ground, cooling the house. During the winter, the liquid can take heat from the ground to the house, heating the house.

Where does the heat for true geothermal heating come from?

It comes from the heat from magma rather from the sun.

How deep must a true geothermal heating system drill into the earth?

Thousands of meters down into the ground

Pros of Geothermal Energy

Potentially renewable, much less CO2 emissions, and no release of PPs

What were the cons of Geothermal Energy

Not everywhere on earth has access to it, hydrogen sulfide can be released, which can be toxic, cost of drilling can be extremely high.