Geothermal Energy

May 14, 2010

Objectives
1.

2.

3.

Describe how geothermal is used as a source of energy Locate and describe the ring of fire Discuss the pros and cons of geothermal energy

Amounts of solar energy vary with

A. B. C. D. Time of day Season of the year Latitude All of the above

Wind is created by differences

A. B. C. D.

in air pressure
in air temperature in earths rotation in earths revolution

Nuclear energy is generated by a process called

A. B. C. D. Fusion Fission Radioactive decay Half life

What element is used as fuel in nuclear power plants?

A. B. C. D. Carbon Radon Uranium Hydrogen

Which of the following is considered a renewable resource?

A. B. C. D. Natural gas Nuclear energy Solar energy Coal

Geothermal Energy

Uses heat generated by the earths interior.

Source of Geothermal Energy

Sources of Earths heat

Friction Large amounts of pressure Radioactive decay of elements over long periods of time

Hot Springs

Geysers

Volcanoes

Ring of Fire

Uses

Direct use and district heating systems

Electricity generation power plants Geothermal heat pumps

Advantages
Renewable and noncombustible Less expensive to operate & maintain Little pollution is produced Little environmental impact

Disadvantages
High initial cost Thermal energy must be near surface Uncertainty about how long each geothermal well will last

Disadvantages
Contains traces of naturally occurring chemicals Less efficient than fossil fuel Needs large area of land and noisy