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The short answer is, that, geothermal energy is liquid or dry heat trapped within the earth.

As we further define it, geothermal energy is considered a “renewable energy source.” It is considered a “renewable energy source” primarily because underground water is typically replenished by rainfall. Additionally, internal heat, hotter than the sun, is produced by decaying radioactive particles within rocks on a continual basis. However, to actually be a “renewable energy source” the source must be inexhaustible, and at some point, at least for a short time, underground water sources may be depleted, depending on the volume of use to power above-ground equipment.

Geothermal reservoirs, sources of renewable energy, are generally not seen. They lie miles underground, and, with the exception of volcanoes, fumaroles, hot springs, and geysers, there is no visible evidence of them above ground. Many of the geothermal reservoirs located in the U.S. are in Alaska and Hawaii. California, which has the most geothermal plants and provides the most geothermal energy output in the U.S., has the largest dry stream reservoirs. The Geysers, located in northern California, have been producing electricity since 1960.

The most active geothermal resources lie along major plate boundaries where earthquakes and volcanoes are prevalent and magma bubbles close to the surface. Deep below, water and rocks absorb the magma’s heat. As magma rises to the surface, ground water trapped in porous rock or over fractured rock surfaces and faults is heated, and may eventually be tapped and used. Asia, Japan, and Alaska, that border the “Ring of Fire” (along the Pacific (Ocean) Rim) where most natural geothermal activity occurs, routinely report seismic activities, making the Pacific Rim a major natural geothermal resource area.

While there are several methods of determining if a geothermal reservoir exists, geologists prefer to drill a well and test the temperature. Only then, can they be certain one exists.


Jason Grace
on behalf of the
BascoTec Internet Limited
Technologie Park 13
33100 Paderborn
Germany

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