GEOTHERMAL ENERGY

KAREN SANTOS

1. Describe how the initial form of energy exists in nature. How is it formed? How abundant is it?

- Geothermal energy can be found anywhere in earth its an renewable resource. Magma that is on the ground heats rocks and rainwater, this water reaches the earth surface, but most stays trapped underground and geothermal energy is formed. ( ex: porous rocks, ground cracks ) Geothermal energy is one of the most abundant energy resource on earth.

2. How is the energy converted into a form used by humans?

- People use geothermal energy all over the world, they use it to provide electricity and heat in their homes.

3. Provide examples of the technology to convert the energy into a usable form. Include pictures and descriptions here . Based on the information you gathered, rank these technologies on a scale of 1 (least important) to 10 (most important)

This small greenhouse is heated with geothermal water.

Plants growth faster and larger when they have additional heat available

Geothermal is also used to speed the growth of fish

Geothermal is also used for industrial used like lumber or food products.

Pipes of Geothermal water can be installed under sidewalks and roads to keep them from icing in winter.

4. Benefits of using this technology. Create a list of how this technology will limit the impact humans have on the environment. Based on your own assessment, rank these benefits on a scale of 1 (least important) to 10 (most important)

- provide reliable electricity at a stable price.- help states diversify the mix of fuels they use to produce electricity.- generate electricity in a manner that produces minimal environmental impacts and emissions.- help states meet renewable portfolio standers.- generate economic development opportunities ex; raral areas.- provide heat for agricultural, industrial and space heating applications.

5. What costs are associated with the technology?

- Geothermal energy no t expensive, depends on how you use it. The only costs of geothermal energy are within labor charges and the price of the heat pump, some people have backup boiler.

http://www.ucsusa.org/clean_energy/technology_and_impacts/energy_technologies/how-geothermal-energy-works.html

http://www.energy4me.org/energy-facts/energy-sources/geothermal/

http://whiskeyandgunpowder.com/free-reports/geothermal-energy/

RESOURCESQuestion #1 Question #2

http://www.need.org/needpdf/infobook_activities/IntInfo/GeothermalI.pdf

Question #4http://www.geocollaborative.org/publications/Benefits_of_Geothermal_Energy.pdf

Question #5http://www.clean-energy-ideas.com/articles/cost_of_geothermal_energy.html

http://geothermal.marin.org/geopresentation/sld088.htm