Geothermal Energy

Introduction

“Geothermal energy” is considered renewable energy since it is formed due to the stored heat in the core of the earth. The study of “geography” revolves around what has happened and what is happening inside Earth. Therefore, there is no doubt that the concept of “Geothermal energy” is also a part of the study of “geography”. Geographers are more interested in renewable energies these days rather than other conventional resources. Therefore, the usage of “Geothermal energy” has become really important.

Discussion

The relationship between environment and people and the study of places is called “Geography”. Both human society and physical property are explored in the study of “geography”. That is why the concept of “geothermal energy” is related and also relevant to the study of “geography”.

Concept of “geothermal energy”

“Geothermal energy” is considered renewable energy that comes from natural sources. “Geothermal energy” is generally taken out from the core of the Earth. The heat generated due to the formation of the planet is considered the main source of “Geothermal energy”. “Geothermal energy” is believed to be stored in fluids and rocks in the Earth’s centre.  There is a huge difference in the temperature between Earth’s surface and Earth’s core. This temperature difference is responsible for the formation of “Geothermal energy”. 

Most of the time, the temperature increases by over 4000 degrees Celsius. A few rocks get melted in the centre of the earth and that melted rocks take the form of magma. That mantle is forced to behave almost plastically by that heat and it is forced to convict in the upward direction. This goes in the upwards direction since surrounding rocks are heavier than it. The heat of water and rock in the crust of the Earth can be increased up to approximately 370 degrees Celsius. Those rocks can be found in the depth of the Earth’s surface.   

Meaning of the word “geothermal energy” 

The word “geothermal” consists of two different words such as “geo” and “thermos”. It is believed that the meaning of “geothermal” has a Greek root to the meaning of these words “geo” and “thermos”. Meaning of the word “geo” is “Earth” and the meaning of the word “thermos” is “hot”. Due to this connection, the concept of “Geothermal energy” is relatable to “geography”.

Production of “geothermal energy” through “geothermal power plant”

Steams have been used for producing “geothermal energy” in “geothermal power plants”. Reservoirs of hot water are the source streams that are found more below from the surface of the Earth. A generator gets activated by a turbine due to the rotation of this steam and that is how the electricity is produced as per the study of “geography”. 

Different types of “geothermal power plants”

Three types of “geothermal power plants” can be seen such as flash steam, binary cycle and dry steam. Flash steam power plants are mostly used and the most common “geothermal power plant” as it reserves water with a temperature of more than 360 degrees Fahrenheit. Dry steam power plant draws steam from underground resources. A binary cycle power plant works with water with a temperature of nearly 225 to 360 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Advantages of geothermal energy

Environment friendly

Usage of conventional fuel sources is not environmentally friendly and on the other hand, “geothermal energy” is considered to be more environmentally friendly. This is considered as a great “advantage of geothermal energy” as per the study of “geography”.

Huge potential

It is stated by geographers that “geothermal energy” has a huge potential compared to other conventional fuel sources.

Renewable

Renewable energy is the main source of “geothermal energy” and it is found that this source of energy will last till the end of Earth. If the source of energy is renewable, this is the best “advantage of geothermal energy”.

Sustainable

Source of “geothermal energy” is sustainable which is another great “advantage of geothermal energy” since the required source is always trapped in the Earth’s surface.

Disadvantages of “geothermal energy”

Restricted location

“Geothermal power plants” are allowed to be built in that particular place where the “geothermal energy” is easily accessible. 

Environmental side effects

“Geothermal energy” is not responsible for the release of harmful greenhouse gases. However, other harmful gases which are stored on the surface of Earth come out when the digging process is going on.

Earthquakes

Many a time risk of earthquakes is increased due to the dividing process of “Geothermal energy”.

Conclusion

It can be concluded that the usage of “geothermal energy” is more environmentally friendly rather than using other harmful energies. “Geothermal energy” has both advantages and disadvantages; however, most geographers prefer using “Geothermal energy” as it is beneficial for “geography”. “Geothermal energy” has huge potential as the resources of this energy are not going to be finished until the destruction of Earth. Geographers prefer this energy as this is sustainable. “Geothermal energy” is not responsible for releasing greenhouse gases.