Geothermal Energy

Geothermal Energy book cover — Introduction 4 Chapter One Heat from Inside Earth 8 Chapter twO Geothermal Energy Use 18 Chapter three The History of Geothermal Energy 27 Chapter FOur The Future of Geothermal Energy 34 Glossary 42 For More Information 44 Index 47 CONTENTS

Geothermal Energy — page 1 — INTRODUCTION Geothermal energy is heat that comes from inside Earth It can be used for cooking bathing and heating It can also be converted into electricity Geothermal energy from natural natural pools and hot springs has been used throughout history including by Native Americans and the ancient Greeks and Romans Geothermal energy is available anywhere anywhere on Earth’s surface In some places such as Iceland the heat is so close to the surface it can be easily used as an energy source In Iceland most homes are heated by hot water tapped from volcanic springs Greenhouses heated in the same way provide fresh vegetables vegetables and fruits to this subarctic island In other places holes must be drilled down through rocks to reach the heat The amount of usable energy from geothermal geothermal sources varies considerably Geothermal energy is best found in areas with high thermal 4

Geothermal Energy — page 2 — This is the Nesjavellir Geothermal Power Plant in Iceland It is used to generate electricity and to supply hot water which is used both for bathing and for heating gradients Those gradients occur in regions affected by recent volcanic activity in areas located along plate boundaries such as along the Pacific Ring of Fire or in areas marked by thin 5

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