DOL Geothermal 3-20-25

Break it down! What does each part of the word “geothermal” mean? “geo-” : (a)   “thermal-” : (b)  

• EARTH OR GROUND
• HEAT
• WATER OR LIQUID
• COLD OR CHILL

Which of these methods of power production use steam to spin a turbine pulled from under the Earth? Choose all that apply.

• Coal

• Solar

• Geothermal

• Wind

Answer explanation

✅ Geothermal energy – Heat from deep inside the Earth turns water into steam, which spins a turbine to generate electricity.
✅ Coal power – Burning coal heats water to create steam, which spins a turbine to produce electricity.

Incorrect Answers & Explanation:

❌ Solar panels – Solar panels convert sunlight directly into electricity without using steam or turbines.
❌ Wind turbines – Wind energy turns blades to generate power, but it does not use steam or underground heat.

 One major disadvantage of geothermal energy used for electricity generation is that _____.

• fossil fuels are a non-renewable resource

• geothermal energy is only easily captured in volcanic areas

• geothermal energy is found everywhere in Earth

• geothermal energy is cleaner than other energy sources

One major advantage of using geothermal energy for electricity generation is that _____.

• water reservoirs tapped for geothermal energy uses are limitless

• hot springs are relaxing

• geothermal energy is easily captured everywhere in the world

• geothermal energy is cleaner than many other energy sources

Using your prior knowledge about tectonic plates, place a "triangle" on the map where one geothermal energy plant could be built. Then place the "X" where a geothermal plant can't be built.

a

b

Part B

Then, write a sentence explaining why the plant could be built there.

Answer explanation

Star should be placed somewhere on the west coast because this is where there is a tectonic plate line that we have talked about a lot!

The star should go on the west coast because there is a tectonic plate line there and it makes it easier to access the geothermal energy because there is a “crack” in the crust and can drill down easier.

The degrees also shows cold in the north where there is less heat in the Earth.