Unit 2 Ch 5 : Minerals and Energy Resources — Social Studies STD 10 — Question
CBSE BoardEnglish MediumSTD 10Social StudiesUnit 2 Ch 5 : Minerals and Energy Resources5 Marks
Question
What is geothermal energy? How can it be tapped?
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Answer
These underground reservoirs of steam and hot water can be tapped to generate electricity or to heat and cool buildings directly. Geothermal energy has been used for thousands of years in some countries for cooking and heating. It is simply power derived from the Earth's internal heat.
The geothermal energy is sourced not only from the original formation of the planet but also from the radioactive decay of materials.
With increasing depth, the internal temperature of the earth keeps increasing. The difference in temperature between the core and the surface or the geothermal gradient drives a continuous conduction of thermal energy.
In areas of shallow depth, this thermal energy is often absorbed by the surrounding groundwater and rocks and often rises as steam. This steam power is then used for the generation of electricity.
Thus areas near plate tectonic boundaries which often have hot springs or weaker surface cover are often tapped for sourcing geothermal energy. But owing to its limited area of occurrence, it has not been fully exploited for the benefits of mankind.
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