Date post: | 05-Jan-2016 |
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Geothermal Energy
Ian Gleisberg Chris Mason
What is geothermal energy?
• Geothermal energy is the thermal energy stored in the earth
• Earths core temperature is hotter than the surface of the sun
• By harnessing this heat in a manner to generate energy it has provided a great source of renewable energy.
How is it used
• Long pipes are drilled into the earth using large boring machines
• The heat is then pumped into houses or pools and used to heat them
Advantages and Disadvantages
• No fuel needed except for pumps
• Heat can be pumped directly into houses
• More than enough energy to supply all those who have access to it
• It could power a small village or an enormous city
• Could release poisonous gases into the air from underground
• Have to be near tectonic plate faults for it to work
• Expensive initial cost• Could trigger
earthquakes by drilling into the tectonic plates