The Potentials of Geothermal Energy 

• What is geothermal energy?
  
  Geo means “Earth,” and thermal means “heat” in Greek, so geothermal energy refers to the heat generated within the Earth that can be a renewable energy source for human use. It is considered one of the forms of sustainable energy on the planet, together with wind and hydropower energy.

  Geothermal energy is collected by drilling into a known geothermal reservoir, where geothermal fluid is piped into a power plant that converts it into electricity for human consumption. These reservoirs can be found through techniques like our seismic tomography in Arizona, which is a method to image the earth’s interior in three dimensions.

• Why geothermal energy?
  
  It is a renewable energy source that significantly reduces the emissions of greenhouse gasses and environmental damage associated with non-renewable sources of energy extraction. Monitoring efforts, like our seismic monitoring in Berkeley, California, have also observed that geothermal heat can be accessed almost anywhere in the world and used immediately.

For more information about geothermal energy and the geothermal industry, you can call Geothermal Seismology Group at 928-899-1875.

Our programs and services include seismic research, earthquake recording, earthquake analysis, seismic tomography, and seismic recording in California.