In the search for alternative forms of energy, tapping the fringes of the Earth's core for heat would appear to be within the realm of possibility. Using heat from that source we could eliminate the need for home heating oil. How far down would you have to drill to get to about 100 degrees F soil/rock temperature or more?
2006-09-26 02:41:07 · 3 answers · asked by zahbudar 6 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Earth Sciences & Geology
Virginia Tech beat you to it. The first link provides field data and a background to a study performed some years ago for geothermal energy on the east coast. The second link is just general background about the geothermal gradient and the third is just a rough number used in drilling. That being said, the gradient fluctuates from place to place and with soil and rock type. 25 to 30 degrees C per kilometer (15 degrees F per 1000 ft) appears to be the most commonly used number.
So if the temperature at the surface is 0 degrees F, then at about 1.25 miles it will be about 100 degrees. Once again this assumes uniform subsurface conditions to that depth.
Hope this helps.
2006-09-26 14:48:35 · answer #1 · answered by Johnny 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You would not reach significant heat in the soil. You would have to drill thousands of feet down to start getting alot of heat.
2006-09-26 07:47:47 · answer #2 · answered by geohauss 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For every 1000 feet depth there Will be an increase of heat by one degree Centigrade . You can not reach up to larva or magma in your area.
2006-09-26 03:15:57 · answer #3 · answered by A.Ganapathy India 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋