Cross-sectional diagram of the earth showing geothermal layers.

How deep are the geothermal resources?


Introduction

Geothermal springs are natural phenomena in which hot water or steam from deep in the earth is forced to the surface. They are found at different depths and play an important role in energy supply and geothermal research.

The depth of geothermal springs

The depth of geothermal sources can vary considerably depending on the geological strata in which they are located. Generally, they are located in the deeper layers of the earth's crust, where temperatures are higher and pressures are higher.

The first layer in which geothermal springs are found is the so-called upper crust. This layer is usually 3-5 kilometres deep and is where most geothermal energy sources are located. The temperature of the sources in the upper crust is usually between 50 and 150 degrees Celsius.

The next layer where geothermal sources are found is the so-called lower crust. This layer is deeper, usually 5-10 kilometres deep. The temperature of the springs in the lower crust is generally higher than in the upper crust and can reach up to 200 degrees Celsius.

The deepest layer in which geothermal springs can be found is the so-called magmatic layer. This layer is the deepest and is usually tens of kilometres deep. Springs in the magmatic layer have extremely high temperatures, up to several hundred degrees Celsius.

Summary

Geothermal springs are found at different depths in the earth's crust. Most springs are located in the upper crust, where temperatures are usually between 50 and 150 degrees Celsius. Springs in the lower crust and magmatic layers have higher temperatures, reaching up to 200 degrees Celsius. Knowing the depth of geothermal springs is important for geothermal energy exploitation and research.

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