Geothermal Energy
Geothermal energy is produced by tapping the heat at the earth's core.
This heat is generated by radioactive decay of particles at the core which heats the rock surrounding the core to a molten state called magma.
The surface of the earth is divided into plates which are slowly moving in relation to each other.
The hot, molten rock naturally tends to rise toward the surface and gets closest to the surface at the boundaries between the plates.
These are the same places where we experience earthquakes and volcanoes.
Geothermal energy can be used in two ways, either by using the heat directly or by generating electricity.
The most efficient and cost effective use is to heat buildings or what ever else needs to be heated directly.
Geothermal electric plants are very cost effective when compared with other alternatives.
Geothermal energy has the advantage that it is available twenty four hours per day.
One disadvantage is that the number of locations where it can be employed are limited by the number of places where magma is found close to the earth"s surface.
Another is that greenhouse gases trapped beneath the surface of the earth can be released.
However, the amount of gas released per unit of energy produced is much less than that released by burning fossil fuels.
Iceland produces approximately one quarter of its electricity from geothermal sources with most of the rest coming from hydropower.
Less than one percent of its electricity is generated using fossil fuels.
Almost ninety percent of the buildings in Iceland are heated using geothermal sources.
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