geothermal Flashcards
1
Q
what does geothermal power use?
A
energy from underground thermal energy stores
2
Q
where does geothermal energy originate from?
A
from the original formation of the planet and the radioactive decay of materials like uranium deep in the Earth
3
Q
how do geothermal power stations work?
A
- pump cold water down into ground, heated by hot rocks
- if we pump this hot water back up to the surface we can use it to heat our homes
- could let it heat up so much it evaporates to steam
- can be used to turn a turbine which can drive a generator to produce electricity
4
Q
geothermal advantages
A
-very reliable
-minimal environmental damage
-running doesn’t produce pollutants
5
Q
geothermal disadvantages
A
-only be built in certain volcanic areas of the world
-expensive to build compared to amount of energy produced
6
Q
why can geothermal only be built in volcanic areas?
A
requires a place where hot rocks lie close to the surface
