Why is Geothermal Energy Beneficial?
Com 217: Science Writing and Presentation
Purdue University
November 3, 2014
Why is Geothermal Energy Beneficial?
Volcanoes are wondrous formations on the earth. Humans are fascinated by them but are often very cautious about volcanoes. They see them as explosive, lava spewing mountains often causing natural disasters. These are just some of the effects of a volcano but plus side to it is that its energy can be harnessed. Energy that can be used from a volcano is Geothermal Energy. It is a clean, renewable energy which uses the steam produced from vents and hot springs near volcanoes. In this paper I am going to prove why Geothermal Energy is good for the environment and the society. Firstly I am going to discuss what geothermal energy is. Secondly, I will discuss the benefits of geothermal energy to the environment. Thirdly I am going to show how geothermal energy is beneficial to the society around its source. Lastly I will compare geothermal energy to other energy sources and show why geothermal energy is the way to go.
What is Geothermal Energy?
The earth stores thermal energy within itself, this energy is then projected to the surface of the earth. This is then released through vents that are close to volcanic systems or other tectonically active areas. These could be steam vents, mud pots and hot springs. The temperatures used to reach up to 100 degrees centigrade. This is the most conventional
When the water or lava comes up from the inner core from either a volcano or from a geyser, the temperature of the liquid it produces would be able to produce the same result we get from using fossil fuel to supply our energy. Geothermal energy could possibly be used to directly heat buildings or used to power turbines and thus generate electricity.
The volcanoes are located where there is a divergence or convergence in the tectonic plates and bring their lava from the deepest of the terrestrial mantle. The materials and explosions of these ginates represent a constant risk in the places inhabited by the human being, nevertheless the people ususually live in these areas no matter the risk. On the other hand the volcanos can change the geology of an impressive form, or to cool the temperature of the earth, or to darken the sky. The scientific community increases its efforts to try to understand better what happens in volcanoes, however it is impossible to predict these conditions.
The energy absorbed by the Earth’s surface affects the temperature by increasing; this is known as thermal energy, the energy present in the motion of particles at a particular temperature. After the energy is absorbed the Earth then emits mostly lower-energy infrared radiation back out.
The over loaded carbon dioxide trapped in the atmosphere like a warm blanket held the heat from lease to the space. Climate change is a part of the Earth's history. There have been dramatic fluctuations in overall average temperature
With six active volcanoes in Costa Rica, and over 60 dormant or extinct, the country is able to produce about 14% of its electricity using geothermal energy. Although, with more government investment, this number will grow. By digging subterranean holes and releasing the hot water and steam underneath created by the heat magma and the Earth 's core, which can reach temperatures of about 7,600 degrees Fahrenheit, large turbines are spun by the steam released by the geothermal reservoirs, which
Moreover, the author continues citing the benefits of geothermal energy. An evident point mentioned in the article is that geothermal energy is a clean, renewable, and dependable energy that can run 24 hours a day, all year round. The author moves forward to mention other real life examples of countries that adopted the usage of geothermal energy. Countries such as the United States, New Zealand, Italy, Iceland, japan, Mexico,and Indonesia are using this kind of energy right now which is so important to prove his argument as real usage applications are
Geothermal Energy: it means the use of heated water and stream to power the power station for turning steam and heated water to electricity but it's expensive
The sun power and warm’s are earth, as two thirds of solar-energy enter our atmosphere as visible-light, the greenhouse effect absorbs the solar-energy to keeping the earth warm and later releases one third back into outer space. Without the “natural greenhouse effect” the earth's temperature would be below 32 degrees fahrenheit (The freezing point of water). The burning of fossil fuels as an energy source releases a variety of gasses such as Methane, nitrous oxide, and CO2 adding to the greenhouse effect. Because of this heat is kept longer, warming our atmosphere and causing what we know as global warming. One of the issues with global warming, is the destruction of ice polar caps that contributes to the rise of the ocean level, and causes
During the volcanic eruptions, there is emission of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. This existence of the CO2 in the atmosphere then creates the greenhouse effect as it thickens the ozone layer hence global warming. These warming results in the failure of the heat reflected back to the atmosphere from the
In these eruptions, instead of the mixture of gas and ash flowing upwards, it flows outwards and hugs the ground. These eruptions are extremely dangerous.
Greenhouse gases, carbon dioxide and methane, absorb energy radiated by the Earth and then send it back into our atmosphere as heat. This is called the greenhouse effect. During the last
Energy from the sun drives the earth’’s weather and climate, and heats the earth’’s surface; in turn, the earth radiates energy back into space. Atmospheric greenhouse gases (water vapor, carbon dioxide, and other gases) trap some of the
On this assignment we are going to research all energy sources and their drawbacks, we are also going to explore on some the negative ramifications that even the clean hydropower have, additionally we are going to weigh those against the possible consequences of developing nuclear power, a controversial alternative to fossil fuels. We will discuss the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster as well as the 20th century Chernobyl nuclear meltdown in drawing conclusions about risk versus reward of nuclear energy use.
Natural in presence, carbon dioxide along with water vapor and other gases absorb thermal radiation that traps heat to warm the Earth. However, with the
Geothermal Energy The human population is currently using up its fossil fuel supplies at staggering rates. Before long we will be forced to turn somewhere else for energy. There are many possibilities such as hydroelectric energy, nuclear energy, wind energy, solar energy and geothermal energy to name a few. Each one of these choices has its pros and cons.