Geothermal power plants utilize heat that lies below the surface of the earth to generate electricity The supply of heat is continually replenished from the center of the earth, making it a renewable resource Geothermal plants emit little air pollution and have minimal impacts on the environment
Geo (Earth) thermal (heat) Process in which the earth's energy is converted into heat and/or cooling energy Commonly achieved via a "geothermal heat pump system," which consists of pipes buried in the shallow ground near the building, a heat exchanger, and ductwork into the building In winter, heat from the relatively warmer ground goes through the heat exchanger into the house In summer, hot air from the house is pulled through the heat exchanger into the relatively cooler ground Heat removed during the summer can be used as no-cost energy to heat water
Relating to the Earth's internal heat; commonly applied to springs or vents discharging hot water or steam
Terrestrial heat, usually associated with water as around hot springs ADVANCE \x 540
(geo) Of or relating to the heat of the earth's interior F - geothermique S - geotermico
Pertaining to heat energy extracted from reservoirs in the earth's interior, as in the use of geysers, molten rock and steam spouts
Power generated from heat energy derived from hot rock, hot water or steam below the earth's surface
Power obtained by using heat from the Earth's interior. Most geothermal resources are in regions of active volcanism. Hot springs, geysers, pools of boiling mud, and fumaroles are the most easily exploited sources. The ancient Romans used hot springs to heat baths and homes, and similar uses are still found in Iceland, Turkey, and Japan. Geothermal energy's greatest potential lies in the generation of electricity. It was first used to produce electric power in Italy in 1904. Today geothermal power plants are in operation in New Zealand, Japan, Iceland, Mexico, the U.S., and elsewhere