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Title
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Geothermal Energy
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Type
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Primary: Mission Briefing Article
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Operation
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Infinite Potential
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Mission:
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Mission 4: Energy Independence
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Print Page
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85
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Subjects
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Earth and space science | Energy | Personal and social issues | Humans and the environment | Renewable resources | Science and technology | Energy technology | Science
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Grades
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5 | 6 | 7 | 8
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Keywords
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geothermal, Earth, heat, geothermal energy, system, heat, home, produce, electrical energy, thermal energy, underground water, pressure, well, drill, water, steam, turbine, blade, generator, emission, deep-drill, detection
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Duration
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00:00:00 (HH:MM:SS)
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Audience
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Teachers | Elementary Grades | Junior High
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Created On
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4/28/2009
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Copyright
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Photo: Christian Mehlführer/Wikimedia Commons
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From: Infinite Potential Mission 4: Energy Independence (pp: 85) |
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Geothermal Energy Geothermal energy utilizes the heat from within the Earth to heat homes and produce electrical energy. Learn more about this energy source in this article. |
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  This diagram shows an example of a geothermal plant using dry steam (low-moisture steam) technology. The word geothermal literally means “Earth heat.” Geothermal energy is energy derived from the heat within Earth. Systems use the heat produced deep inside Earth to heat homes and produce electrical energy. In locations where Earth’s internal thermal energy gets close to the surface, underground water can be heated between 150–370°C (300–700°F) and placed under intense pressure. Wells are drilled at these locations to access this hot, pressurized water. When this water is brought to the surface, it quickly turns to steam. This steam is used to push turbine blades and spin a generator, like in a fossil fuel plant. Advantages and Limitations
Geothermal power plants have many advantages. They do not burn fuel, and therefore minimize emission levels. Plus, the fuel does not need to be transported or piped to the power plant. Financially, once geothermal plants are built, there are no major additional costs. One notable limitation of geothermal energy is that it is not readily available everywhere. However, with advancements in deep-drilling technology and geothermal detection, scientists and engineers are hoping to increase the number of areas that can begin using this energy source.
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