Geothermal energy is often viewed as a relatively new form of alternative energy. In truth, the use of geothermal energy stretches far back into the past.
Looking To The Past Of Geothermal Energy
Geothermal energy is literally, earth heat. This type of energy’s name comes from two Greek words: geo meaning earth, and therme, which means heat. While it may seem that the use of geothermal energy is a relatively new idea, it is actually an ancient practice. Many different cultures have used geothermal power to their advantage, dating back to some of the Earth’s earliest civilizations.
In order to use geothermal energy, the energy source itself must be tapped into. Geothermal energy comes from reserves of water located in the Earth’s layer of magma. Magma, otherwise known as molten rock, is a super hot substance that springs directly from the Earth’s core, which is a scalding 9,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Magma heats the reserves of water located in its midst to very high temperatures, around 700 degrees Fahrenheit. These geothermal reservoirs, as they are known, can be drilled into or can escape naturally through cracks in the...