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Geothermal Systems and Models

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Geothermal Resources

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Abstract

In Chapter 1 the origin of the heat of the Earth has been discussed and it is now possible to proceed to examine localized accumulations, that is to say geothermal systems. The word ‘geothermal’ refers to the thermal energy of the planetary interior and it is usually associated with the concept of systems in which there is a large enough reservoir of heat to comprise energy sources. It is important to indicate that only these are significant for human needs. This is because, while the Earth comprises a vast heat source, most of the heat is either too diffuse or too deeply buried to permit economic exploitation.

‘And ye came near and stood under the mountain: and the mountain burned with fire unto the midst of heaven’.

Deuteronomy, 4:11

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  1. Institute of Geology and Palaeontology, Westfälische Wilhelms-University, Münster, Federal Republic of Germany

    Robert Bowen (Professor of Geology)

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  1. Robert Bowen
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© 1989 Elsevier Science Publishers Ltd

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Bowen, R. (1989). Geothermal Systems and Models. In: Geothermal Resources. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-1103-1_3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-1103-1_3

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht

  • Print ISBN: 978-94-010-6987-8

  • Online ISBN: 978-94-009-1103-1

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