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Geothermal Energy

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  1. energy
    forceful exertion
    Geothermal energy is natural heat from the interior of the Earth that is converted to heat buildings and generate electricity.
  2. interior
    inside and toward a center
    Geothermal energy is natural heat from the interior of the Earth that is converted to heat buildings and generate electricity.
  3. convert
    change the nature, purpose, or function of something
    Geothermal energy is natural heat from the interior of the Earth that is converted to heat buildings and generate electricity.
  4. generate
    bring into existence
    Geothermal energy is natural heat from the interior of the Earth that is converted to heat buildings and generate electricity.
  5. harness
    an arrangement of leather straps fitted to a draft animal
    The idea of harnessing Earth’s internal heat is not new.
  6. internal
    located inward
    The idea of harnessing Earth’s internal heat is not new.
  7. include
    have as a part; be made up out of
    Today, Earth’s natural internal heat is being used to generate electricity in 21 countries, including Russia, Japan, New Zealand, Iceland, Mexico, Ethiopia, Guatemala, El Salvador, the Philippines, and the United States.
  8. approach
    move towards
    Total worldwide production is approaching 9,000 MW (equivalent to nine large modern coalburning or nuclear power plants)-double the amount in 1980.
  9. equivalent
    being essentially comparable to something
    Total worldwide production is approaching 9,000 MW (equivalent to nine large modern coalburning or nuclear power plants)-double the amount in 1980.
  10. modern
    ahead of the times
    Total worldwide production is approaching 9,000 MW (equivalent to nine large modern coalburning or nuclear power plants)-double the amount in 1980.
  11. nuclear
    constituting the core or central part
    Total worldwide production is approaching 9,000 MW (equivalent to nine large modern coalburning or nuclear power plants)-double the amount in 1980.
  12. receive
    get something; come into possession of
    Some 40 million people today receive their electricity from geothermal energy at a cost competitive with that of other energy sources.
  13. competitive
    involving rivalry over something
    Some 40 million people today receive their electricity from geothermal energy at a cost competitive with that of other energy sources.
  14. source
    the place where something begins
    Some 40 million people today receive their electricity from geothermal energy at a cost competitive with that of other energy sources.
  15. supply
    circulate or distribute or equip with
    In El Salvador, geothermal energy is supplying 30% of the total electric energy used.
  16. electric
    using or providing the flow of charge through a conductor
    In El Salvador, geothermal energy is supplying 30% of the total electric energy used.
  17. global
    involving the entire earth
    However, at the global level, geothermal energy supplies less than 0.15% of the total energy supply.
  18. level
    a relative position or degree of value in a graded group
    However, at the global level, geothermal energy supplies less than 0.15% of the total energy supply.
  19. considered
    carefully weighed
    Geothermal energy may be considered a nonrenewable energy source when rates of extraction are greater than rates of natural replenishment.
  20. extraction
    taking out something
    Geothermal energy may be considered a nonrenewable energy source when rates of extraction are greater than rates of natural replenishment.
  21. origin
    the place where something begins
    However, geothermal energy has its origin in the natural heat production within Earth, and only a small fraction of the vast total resource base is being utilized today.
  22. fraction
    a small part or item forming a piece of a whole
    However, geothermal energy has its origin in the natural heat production within Earth, and only a small fraction of the vast total resource base is being utilized today.
  23. vast
    unusually great in size or amount or extent or scope
    However, geothermal energy has its origin in the natural heat production within Earth, and only a small fraction of the vast total resource base is being utilized today.
  24. resource
    aid or support that may be drawn upon when needed
    However, geothermal energy has its origin in the natural heat production within Earth, and only a small fraction of the vast total resource base is being utilized today.
  25. base
    lowest support of a structure
    However, geothermal energy has its origin in the natural heat production within Earth, and only a small fraction of the vast total resource base is being utilized today.
  26. utilize
    put into service
    However, geothermal energy has its origin in the natural heat production within Earth, and only a small fraction of the vast total resource base is being utilized today.
  27. involve
    contain as a part
    Although most geothermal energy production involves the tapping of high heat sources, people are also using the low-temperature geothermal energy of groundwater in some applications.
  28. low
    less than normal in degree or intensity or amount
    Although most geothermal energy production involves the tapping of high heat sources, people are also using the low-temperature geothermal energy of groundwater in some applications.
  29. temperature
    the degree of hotness or coldness of a body or environment
    Although most geothermal energy production involves the tapping of high heat sources, people are also using the low-temperature geothermal energy of groundwater in some applications.
  30. application
    the action of putting something into operation
    Although most geothermal energy production involves the tapping of high heat sources, people are also using the low-temperature geothermal energy of groundwater in some applications.
  31. average
    an intermediate scale value regarded as normal or usual
    The average heat flow from the interior of the Earth is very low, about 0.06 W/m2.
  32. compare
    examine and note the similarities or differences of
    This amount is trivial compared with the 177 W/m2 from solar heat at the surface in the United States.
  33. solar
    relating to the sun or utilizing the energies of the sun
    This amount is trivial compared with the 177 W/m2 from solar heat at the surface in the United States.
  34. surface
    the outer boundary of an artifact or a material layer
    This amount is trivial compared with the 177 W/m2 from solar heat at the surface in the United States.
  35. area
    the extent of a two-dimensional surface within a boundary
    However, in some areas, heat flow is sufficiently high to be useful for producing energy.
  36. associate
    bring or come into action
    For the most part, areas of high heat flow are associated with plate tectonic boundaries.
  37. tectonic
    pertaining to the structure or movement of the earth's crust
    For the most part, areas of high heat flow are associated with plate tectonic boundaries.
  38. boundary
    the line indicating the limit or extent of something
    For the most part, areas of high heat flow are associated with plate tectonic boundaries.
  39. ridge
    a long narrow natural elevation or striation
    Oceanic ridge systems (divergent plate boundaries) and areas where mountains are being uplifted and volcanic island arcs are forming (convergent plate boundaries) are areas where this natural heat flow is anomalously high.
  40. divergent
    tending to move apart in different directions
    Oceanic ridge systems (divergent plate boundaries) and areas where mountains are being uplifted and volcanic island arcs are forming (convergent plate boundaries) are areas where this natural heat flow is anomalously high.
  41. convergent
    tending to come together from different directions
    Oceanic ridge systems (divergent plate boundaries) and areas where mountains are being uplifted and volcanic island arcs are forming (convergent plate boundaries) are areas where this natural heat flow is anomalously high.
  42. basis
    the fundamental assumptions from which something is begun
    On the basis of geological criteria, several types of hot geothermal systems (with temperatures greater than about 80°C, or 176°F) have been defined, and the resource base is larger than that of fossil fuels and nuclear energy combined.
  43. criterion
    the ideal in terms of which something can be judged
    On the basis of geological criteria, several types of hot geothermal systems (with temperatures greater than about 80°C, or 176°F) have been defined, and the resource base is larger than that of fossil fuels and nuclear energy combined.
  44. define
    show the form or outline of
    On the basis of geological criteria, several types of hot geothermal systems (with temperatures greater than about 80°C, or 176°F) have been defined, and the resource base is larger than that of fossil fuels and nuclear energy combined.
  45. fossil
    the remains of a plant or animal from a past geological age
    On the basis of geological criteria, several types of hot geothermal systems (with temperatures greater than about 80°C, or 176°F) have been defined, and the resource base is larger than that of fossil fuels and nuclear energy combined.
  46. fuel
    a substance that can be consumed to produce energy
    On the basis of geological criteria, several types of hot geothermal systems (with temperatures greater than about 80°C, or 176°F) have been defined, and the resource base is larger than that of fossil fuels and nuclear energy combined.
  47. combine
    put or add together
    On the basis of geological criteria, several types of hot geothermal systems (with temperatures greater than about 80°C, or 176°F) have been defined, and the resource base is larger than that of fossil fuels and nuclear energy combined.
  48. development
    a process in which something passes to a different stage
    A common system for energy development is hydrothermal convection, characterized by the circulation of steam and/or hot water that transfers heat from depths to the surface.
  49. convection
    transfer of heat caused by molecular motion in liquid or gas
    A common system for energy development is hydrothermal convection, characterized by the circulation of steam and/or hot water that transfers heat from depths to the surface.
  50. characterize
    be typical of
    A common system for energy development is hydrothermal convection, characterized by the circulation of steam and/or hot water that transfers heat from depths to the surface.
  51. transfer
    move from one place to another
    A common system for energy development is hydrothermal convection, characterized by the circulation of steam and/or hot water that transfers heat from depths to the surface.
  52. depth
    the extent downward or backward or inward
    A common system for energy development is hydrothermal convection, characterized by the circulation of steam and/or hot water that transfers heat from depths to the surface.
  53. environment
    the totality of surrounding conditions
    $ Geothermal Energy and the Environment
  54. environmental
    of or relating to the external conditions or surroundings
    The environmental impact of geothermal energy may not be as extensive as that of other sources of energy, but it can be considerable.
  55. impact
    the striking of one body against another
    The environmental impact of geothermal energy may not be as extensive as that of other sources of energy, but it can be considerable.
  56. extensive
    large in spatial extent or range or scope or quantity
    The environmental impact of geothermal energy may not be as extensive as that of other sources of energy, but it can be considerable.
  57. considerable
    large in number, amount, extent, or degree
    The environmental impact of geothermal energy may not be as extensive as that of other sources of energy, but it can be considerable.
  58. develop
    progress or evolve through a process of natural growth
    When geothermal energy is developed at a particular site, environmental problems include on-site noise, emissions of gas, and disturbance of the land at drilling sites, disposal sites, roads and pipelines, and power plants.
  59. particular
    unique or specific to a person or thing or category
    When geothermal energy is developed at a particular site, environmental problems include on-site noise, emissions of gas, and disturbance of the land at drilling sites, disposal sites, roads and pipelines, and power plants.
  60. site
    the piece of land on which something is located
    When geothermal energy is developed at a particular site, environmental problems include on-site noise, emissions of gas, and disturbance of the land at drilling sites, disposal sites, roads and pipelines, and power plants.
  61. problem
    a question raised for consideration or solution
    When geothermal energy is developed at a particular site, environmental problems include on-site noise, emissions of gas, and disturbance of the land at drilling sites, disposal sites, roads and pipelines, and power plants.
  62. emission
    the act of causing to flow forth
    When geothermal energy is developed at a particular site, environmental problems include on-site noise, emissions of gas, and disturbance of the land at drilling sites, disposal sites, roads and pipelines, and power plants.
  63. disturbance
    activity that is a malfunction, intrusion, or interruption
    When geothermal energy is developed at a particular site, environmental problems include on-site noise, emissions of gas, and disturbance of the land at drilling sites, disposal sites, roads and pipelines, and power plants.
  64. disposal
    the act or means of getting rid of something
    When geothermal energy is developed at a particular site, environmental problems include on-site noise, emissions of gas, and disturbance of the land at drilling sites, disposal sites, roads and pipelines, and power plants.
  65. require
    have need of
    Development of geothermal energy does not require large-scale transportation of raw materials or refining of chemicals, as development of fossil fuels does.
  66. scale
    an ordered reference standard
    Development of geothermal energy does not require large-scale transportation of raw materials or refining of chemicals, as development of fossil fuels does.
  67. transportation
    the act of moving something from one location to another
    Development of geothermal energy does not require large-scale transportation of raw materials or refining of chemicals, as development of fossil fuels does.
  68. material
    the substance that goes into the makeup of a physical object
    Development of geothermal energy does not require large-scale transportation of raw materials or refining of chemicals, as development of fossil fuels does.
  69. refining
    the process of removing impurities
    Development of geothermal energy does not require large-scale transportation of raw materials or refining of chemicals, as development of fossil fuels does.
  70. chemical
    produced by reactions involving atomic or molecular changes
    Development of geothermal energy does not require large-scale transportation of raw materials or refining of chemicals, as development of fossil fuels does.
  71. furthermore
    in addition
    Furthermore, geothermal energy does not produce the atmospheric pollutants associated with burning fossil fuels or the radioactive waste associated with nuclear energy.
  72. radioactive
    exhibiting or caused by emissions in nuclear decay
    Furthermore, geothermal energy does not produce the atmospheric pollutants associated with burning fossil fuels or the radioactive waste associated with nuclear energy.
  73. thermal
    relating to or associated with heat
    However, geothermal development often does produce considerable thermal pollution from hot waste-waters, which may be saline or highly corrosive, producing disposal and treatment problems.
  74. pollution
    contamination of the natural environment
    However, geothermal development often does produce considerable thermal pollution from hot waste-waters, which may be saline or highly corrosive, producing disposal and treatment problems.
  75. saline
    containing salt
    However, geothermal development often does produce considerable thermal pollution from hot waste-waters, which may be saline or highly corrosive, producing disposal and treatment problems.
  76. corrosive
    capable of destroying or eating away by chemical action
    However, geothermal development often does produce considerable thermal pollution from hot waste-waters, which may be saline or highly corrosive, producing disposal and treatment problems.
  77. treatment
    the management of someone or something
    However, geothermal development often does produce considerable thermal pollution from hot waste-waters, which may be saline or highly corrosive, producing disposal and treatment problems.
  78. location
    the act of putting something in a certain place
    Geothermal power is not very popular in some locations among some people.
  79. instance
    an item of information that is typical of a class or group
    For instance, geothermal energy has been produced for years on the island of Hawaii, where active volcanic processes provide abundant near-surface heat.
  80. active
    characterized by energetic movement
    For instance, geothermal energy has been produced for years on the island of Hawaii, where active volcanic processes provide abundant near-surface heat.
  81. process
    a particular course of action intended to achieve a result
    For instance, geothermal energy has been produced for years on the island of Hawaii, where active volcanic processes provide abundant near-surface heat.
  82. provide
    give something useful or necessary to
    For instance, geothermal energy has been produced for years on the island of Hawaii, where active volcanic processes provide abundant near-surface heat.
  83. abundant
    present in great quantity
    For instance, geothermal energy has been produced for years on the island of Hawaii, where active volcanic processes provide abundant near-surface heat.
  84. controversy
    a dispute where there is strong disagreement
    There is controversy, however, over further exploration and development.
  85. exploration
    travel for the purpose of discovery
    There is controversy, however, over further exploration and development.
  86. native
    belonging to one by birth
    Native Hawaiians and others have argued that the exploration and development of geothermal energy degrade the tropical forest as developers construct roads, build facilities, and drill wells.
  87. degrade
    reduce in worth or character, usually verbally
    Native Hawaiians and others have argued that the exploration and development of geothermal energy degrade the tropical forest as developers construct roads, build facilities, and drill wells.
  88. tropical
    relating to part of the Earth's surface with hot climate
    Native Hawaiians and others have argued that the exploration and development of geothermal energy degrade the tropical forest as developers construct roads, build facilities, and drill wells.
  89. construct
    make by combining materials and parts
    Native Hawaiians and others have argued that the exploration and development of geothermal energy degrade the tropical forest as developers construct roads, build facilities, and drill wells.
  90. facility
    a building or place that provides a particular service
    Native Hawaiians and others have argued that the exploration and development of geothermal energy degrade the tropical forest as developers construct roads, build facilities, and drill wells.
  91. religious
    having or showing belief in and reverence for a deity
    In addition, religious and cultural issues in Hawaii relate to the use of geothermal energy.
  92. cultural
    relating to the shared knowledge and values of a society
    In addition, religious and cultural issues in Hawaii relate to the use of geothermal energy.
  93. issue
    some situation or event that is thought about
    In addition, religious and cultural issues in Hawaii relate to the use of geothermal energy.
  94. relate
    give an account of
    In addition, religious and cultural issues in Hawaii relate to the use of geothermal energy.
  95. example
    an item of information that is typical of a class or group
    For example, some people are offended by using the "breath and water of Pele" (the volcano goddess) to make electricity.
  96. offend
    cause to feel resentment or indignation
    For example, some people are offended by using the "breath and water of Pele" (the volcano goddess) to make electricity.
  97. volcano
    a fissure in the earth's crust through which gases erupt
    For example, some people are offended by using the "breath and water of Pele" (the volcano goddess) to make electricity.
  98. sensitive
    responsive to physical stimuli
    This issue points out the importance of being sensitive to the values and cultures of people where development is planned.
  99. value
    the quality that renders something desirable
    This issue points out the importance of being sensitive to the values and cultures of people where development is planned.
  100. culture
    all the knowledge and values shared by a society
    This issue points out the importance of being sensitive to the values and cultures of people where development is planned.
  101. future
    the time yet to come
    $ Future of Geothermal Energy
  102. discover
    determine the existence, presence, or fact of
    Geohydrothermal resources not yet discovered could conservatively provide four times that amount (approximately 10% of total U.S. electric capacity), about equivalent to the electricity produced from water power today.
  103. approximately
    imprecise but fairly close to correct
    Geohydrothermal resources not yet discovered could conservatively provide four times that amount (approximately 10% of total U.S. electric capacity), about equivalent to the electricity produced from water power today.
  104. capacity
    capability to perform or produce
    Geohydrothermal resources not yet discovered could conservatively provide four times that amount (approximately 10% of total U.S. electric capacity), about equivalent to the electricity produced from water power today.
Created on Tue Dec 25 10:20:40 EST 2012 (updated Tue Dec 25 10:21:59 EST 2012)

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