What is geothermal power? What are the advantages and disadvantages of the use

Definition: The radioactive decay of elements deep in Earth generates heat that rises to the surface through magma and through fissures and cracks. Where this energy heats groundwater, natural spurts of heated water and steam are sent up from below. Terrestrial geysers and submarine hydrothermal vents are the surface manifestations of these processes. Geothermal power plants use the heat energy of natural hot springs to generate power.

Advantages: Like other renewable sources, geothermal power greatly reduces emissions relative to fossil fuel combustion. Geothermal sources currently used produce no nitrous oxides or sulfurous gases, and only one-sixth of the carbon dioxide produced by natural gas-fueled plants. Geothermal developments using the latest technology produce virtually no emissions.

Disadvantages: Geothermal sources may not always be truly sustainable. In addition, the water of many hot springs is laced with salts and other minerals that corrode equipment and can pollute the air, so these may shorten the lifetime of plants, increase maintenance costs, and add to pollution. Like solar and wind power, geothermal power involves substantial development costs but low operations costs compared to fossil-fuel-fired processes. Adopting the technology will likely save money in the long run. Finally, geothermal power is limited to being used in certain areas where it occurs. Nonetheless, many more hydrothermal resources remain unexploited around the world, awaiting improved technology and economic and policy encouragement by governments.