What Are the Different Layers of the Earth?

The Earth layers are logically split into:

Core: Consists of two layers, one that is solid, and the outer core that is made of molten lava or magma

Mantle: The mantle surrounds the core and is approximately 1,800 miles thick. It is comprised of lava and solid rock

Crust: This is the outer layer of the earth and is 15-35 miles thick on the continents and 3 to 5 miles thick on the ocean’s surface. Magma comes to the surface near the edge of the crust’s plates.

Jeremy Kemp, Wikimedia Commons

Where Are Geothermal Resources Found?

Most geothermal resources are found near the boundaries of the plates with many of these locations occurring around the Ring of Fire in the Pacific ocean. When there is a large area of hydrothermal or geothermal resources, the area is referred to as a geothermal reservoir. When geothermal energy finds its way to the Earth’s surface, it does so in the form of volcanoes, geysers, and hot springs. When geologists are searching for geothermal reservoirs, they will drill a well similar to those done when searching for water and test the ground temperature. In the United States, the majority of geothermal resources are found in Hawaii and in the western states with California having the largest dry steam field in the world.

How is Geothermal Energy Used?

Depending on what the energy is going to be used for, it may not be necessary to drill too deep to make use of geothermal energy. Some of the primary uses of geothermal energy are:

• Direct Use – Make use of hot water from springs that are naturally heated for heating systems or water use.
• Electrical Power Generation – At this scale of use, the water/steam has to be between 300 and 700 degrees Fahrenheit. These types of plants will normally be built where the geothermal reservoir is less than two miles deep.
• Geothermal Heat Pumps – Use the ground temperature to control the building temps above ground for heating needs.

Use of Geothermal Energy in the United States

The United States is the world leader in geothermal energy production, but it is only 0.5% of that produced in the United States. The five states with plants include California, Hawaii, Montana, Utah, and Nevada. California has the most capacity with 34 geothermal production plants, followed by Nevada with 15 plants, and the remaining three states have one plant each respectively.