Geothermal Energy

Geothermal energy is a renewable energy resource that comes from heat deep within the earth. Underneath the earth's crust is a layer of extremely hot, melted rock called magma. When magma rises close to the earth's surface it comes in the form of volcanos, fumaroles, hot springs and geysers. The most famous geyser being "Old Faithful" at Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. Most of these activities are found in the Ring of Fire near the edges of the Pacific ocean, circling from the west coast of the Americas around to the East coasts of Australia and Japan.

Hydrothermal resources are when magma heats ground water, either running or trapped, in porous rock or fractured rock beds. These naturally occurring areas are known as geothermal reservoirs. Using the steam and hot water produced from these, we can create electricity or heat our homes. Geologists drill deep underground (a mile or two) to locate these reservoirs and power plants are built on the surface where they are found. Because California is located in the Ring of Fire it has the worlds largest known dry steam field and generates most of the electricity for the entire state! Geek-a-licious!

The many uses range from hot mineral springs used today by spas and resorts, mineral water for drinking, power plants, heat pumps to heat buildings for entire districts, to growing crops and create natural greenhouses. The best part is: these applications have almost no negative impact on the environment. How cool is that! Find out how - right here from the Geek!

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