IE GSI Geothermal Temperature Measurements 100k Ireland (ROI) ITM View

Temperature is a measure of the kinetic energy of an object. Kinetic energy is the energy an object has due to motion. When the particles that make up the object are moving this creates energy. The faster the particles move the more energy is created and the higher the temperature. If the temperature is high the object will feel warmer, if the temperature is lower the object will feel colder. Temperature can be measured using a thermometer. A thermometer records the temperature of an object in a measurement called degrees Celsius (°C).

Rocks beneath the surface of the Earth have temperatures that can be recorded. The temperature may be different depending on the rock type and how deep it is. Rocks closer to the surface are usually cooler than deeper rocks. This is because the heat from the centre of the Earth rises and is conducted by the rocks from below. Conduction is when heat moves through the body of the object itself. Rocks can conduct heat differently depending on the composition of the different types of rocks. Temperature maps can show the temperatures of different rock types in an area and at different depths.

Geothermal energy is energy stored in the form of heat beneath the surface of the earth. It can be used to supply heat and hot water. It can also be used to cool a house by removing extra heat energy and putting it into the ground. It is a form of renewable energy. Geologists and engineers can extract this heat energy from below the surface and use it to heat homes and businesses. Temperature maps are important for geologists to help them design the best systems for geothermal energy extraction. They must know the temperature of the rocks below the surface.

Temperature maps are also useful for people who own homes and businesses. If they are interested in using geothermal energy to heat the building, they can use the map to see if the temperatures of the rocks in their area may be suitable for geothermal energy.