Stuff You Should Know Geothermal Energy: Earth's Gift to Mankind
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Sep 24, 2015 Discover the incredible power of geothermal energy and its origins deep within the Earth. The discussion highlights how this renewable resource can revolutionize our heating systems and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Around 20 countries are tapping into geothermal energy, with the U.S. and Iceland leading the way. Explore the mechanics behind electricity generation using geothermal sources and debunk common myths about this green energy. The conversation also reveals social media's influence on perceptions of renewable resources, culminating in a light-hearted look at seafood culture.
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Earth's Cooling Core
- The Earth, at 4.8 billion years old, is still cooling down from its initial formation and a massive impact that created the moon.
- This residual heat, along with radioactive decay, accounts for the energy found in the Earth's core.
Sources of Earth's Heat
- Half of Earth's core heat comes from early formation and impact, the other half from radioactive decay.
- The first 10 kilometers below the surface hold 50,000 times more energy than all oil and natural gas reserves.
Early Geothermal Use
- Romans used hot springs, and Paleo-Indians used them for bathing and cooking.
- The city of Bath, England, is a Roman town built around hot springs.