Geo Thermal Research Paper

Blanca Acosta Gutierrez
November/26/2010
Mr. Obolu
Physics
Geo Thermal Research Paper
From the Greek roots geo, meaning earth, and thermos, meaning heat is thermal energy stored in the Earth. Thermal energy is energy that determines the temperature of matter. Earth's geothermal energy originates from the original formation of the planet, from radioactive decay of minerals, from volcanic activity, and from solar energy absorbed at the surface. The geothermal gradient, which is the difference in temperature between the core of the planet and its surface, drives a continuous conduction of thermal energy in the form of heat from the core to the surface. Geo thermal energy is mostly based on the place that you set it up on and the type of weather that it is. The weather is a big factor because you need steam and people rely on that to work.
The process of Geo thermal is as follows on how to set it up and how it works. From hot springs, geothermal energy has been used for bathing since Paleolithic times and for space heating since ancient Roman times, but it is now better known for electricity generation. Worldwide, about 10,715 megawatts (MW) of geothermal power is online in 24 countries. An additional 28 gig watts of direct geothermal heating capacity is installed for district heating, space heating, spas, industrial processes, desalination and agricultural applications.
There are pros and cons to having geo thermal as your main source of energy. Geothermal power requires no fuel, and is therefore immune to fuel cost fluctuations, but capital costs tend to be high. Drilling accounts for over half the costs, and exploration of deep resources entails significant risks. Geothermal power is cost effective, reliable, sustainable, and environmentally friendly, but has historically been limited to areas near tectonic plate boundaries. Recent technological advances have dramatically expanded the range and size of viable resources, especially for applications such as... [continues]

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