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WHAT IS GEOTHERMAL ENERGY?
The heat energy coming from within the Earth is known as geothermal energy. Scientists believe that tapping geothermal energy would be a sustainable solution to reduce the effects of global warming and dependence on fossil fuels.The word "geothermal" is derived from the Greek word geo, meaning Earth and thermos, meaning heat. Hence, geothermal energy is the heat energy formed inside the Earth. The generation of this form of energy on the Earth's crust comes from 80% of radioactive decay of several minerals and 20% from the formation of the planet.
The hot molten magma heats the underground water when it reaches the crust. This hot water gets trapped in porous rocks, or in cracks of underground rocks, thus creating a geothermal reservoir. The trapped geothermal energy often gets released through natural means in the form of hot springs, mudpots, fumaroles, and geysers. Yellowstone National Park is one of the best examples exhibiting these features.


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