Geothermal Energy

1
Geothermal Energy

• By Kathryn and Olivia
• 2/17/11
• Block 4.2

2
Introduction

• Geo is the Greek word for earth. The Greek word
  for heat is therme. There for Geothermal energy
  means heat from within the earth.
• we use it for heat and electricity
• it is renewable

3
Renewable or Not?

• It is renewable because-
• The water is replenished by rain fall.
• Heat is continuously produced deep within the
  earth.
• So we cant run out of geothermal energy.

4
Location

• Most geothermal activity in the world occurs
  around the Pacific ocean in an area called the
  ring of fire.
• Geothermal energy is generated in the earths
  core, almost 4,000 miles beneath the earths
  surface.

pubs.usgs.gov
5
Recovery

• It captures energy by putting it into the power
  plant, the geothermal fluid turns the turbine
  blades, which spins the shaft,which spins
  magnets inside a large coil of wire to generate
  electricity.

epa.gov
6
Uses

• At low temperatures(50-300 degrees Fahrenheit)is
  used for-
• Heating homes and buildings.
• Growing plants.
• Drying lumber and vegetables
• High temperatures(300-700 degrees Fahrenheit) can
  come from steam wells or hot water wells to make
  electricity.

7
Environmental Impact

• The steam of geothermal power plants has
  chemicals that contribute to air pollution.

8
Advantages and Disadvantages

• Advantages-
• The power plants dont have to transport fuel.
• Produce very little pollution and doesnt
  contribute to the green house effect.
• Disadvantages-
• Not many places were you can build a geothermal
  power plant.
• Sometimes the power plants can run out of
  steam.

9
Geothermal Energy Pictures
tonto eia.doe.gov/.../ geothermal-map-large.gif.
esd.lbl.gov/.../ egs/Geothermal-Plant.gi
https/.../ dry_steam.gif
www.webquest.hawaii.edu/.../ images/volcano.jpg