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Sources of Thermal Energy
Geothermal Energy
Some areas of the earths crust are very hot. We see evidence of this at the earths surface when we observe volcanoes, hot springs, and geysers. Geothermal energy is the energy we are able to capture from the earths interior.
Steam that moves through cracks in the rock can be used to spin a turbine in order to generate electricity (For more detail on the conversion of steam to electricity see Electrical Energy page).
How do we use geothermal energy?
HDR (Hot, dry rock)
This is another process used to harness geothermal energy. Water is pumped down below the earths surface to areas with hot cracked rock. Steam then returns to the surface and the steam is used to produce electricity.
Renewable or non-renewable? hint: The interior of the earth is always hot.
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