Geothermal heating

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Figure 1. Geothermal hot spots around the world.[1]

Geothermal heating is the use of the Earth's natural thermal energy, known as geothermal energy, for one's heating needs. Geothermal heating has been used for thousands of years, as geysers, steam vents, and hot springs have long been utilized.[2] Past uses were not nearly as advanced as they are now, as modern technology allows for this heat to be better utilized for a variety of applications.

There are three general categories geothermal heating can be grouped into:

The pages above describe the use of geothermal energy for a variety of uses. Generally only countries located on geothermal hot spots may tap into this energy efficiently, and there are over 70 countries around the world doing so. Geothermal heat pumps however do not require the use of hot spots though, since they make use of relatively low temperature soil.

Geothermal energy can also be harnessed in the generation of electricity - to learn about this click here.

For Further Reading

References

  1. Adapted from: R. Wolfson, "Energy from Earth and Moon" in Energy, Environment, and Climate, 2nd ed., New York, NY: W.W. Norton & Company, 2012, ch. 8, pp. 204-224
  2. R. Wolfson, "Energy from Earth and Moon" in Energy, Environment, and Climate, 2nd ed., New York, NY: W.W. Norton & Company, 2012, ch. 8, pp. 204-224