Overview
Geothermal gradients are essential for understanding the Earth's internal temperature structure and energy resources. They indicate how temperature increases with depth, which is influenced by various geological factors such as rock type and tectonic activity. By studying these gradients, scientists...
Key Terms
Example: The geothermal gradient in some areas can be as high as 30°C per kilometer.
Example: Rocks with high thermal conductivity can transfer heat more efficiently.
Example: Heat flow is a key factor in determining geothermal gradients.
Example: Regions with high tectonic activity often have higher geothermal gradients.
Example: Geothermal energy is used for heating and electricity generation.
Example: Core drilling is a common technique in geothermal studies.