Due to the depletion of the existing energy resources man has come across many ways means and ideas to harness energy from the nature. Geothermal energy is one of the resources that are being harnessed by man kind.

The term Geothermal is derived from the Greek language where "geo" means the earth and "therme" means heat. Geothermal energy is natural, eco friendly, constant and renewable. So the most important question of all, what is geothermal energy?

An intricate study of the earth reveals that deep down below the surface of the earth, about 4000 miles below the surface of the earth heat is being generated, and temperatures that can be compared to the core of the sun are sensed in the core of the earth. This temperature arises due to the slow decay of the radio active particles. This energy is known as the Geothermal Energy. This innermost part of the earth that is called as the magma is made of very hot melted rock.

Most of the geothermal energy reservoirs are found in the deep underground parts of the world. This Geothermal energy often comes up to the surface of the earth in the form of fumaroles, hot springs geysers or volcanoes. Very big geothermal reservoirs can be found along the tectonic plate boundaries. The chain of the reservoirs is commonly termed as the Ring of Fire.

When magma cones near the surface of the earth the geothermal energy that it contains can be harnessed and used. Many devices and innovations are used to harness this energy. The geothermal energy in the hot water springs or the reservoirs can be utilized to obtain heat. For electricity generation a power plant requires water or steam at very high temperatures, in this case the tremendous energy supply can be harnessed to produce electricity. This energy is also used to maintain temperatures near the surface of the earth.

In the long run the geothermal energy can be used to heat homes in the cold countries; it can also be used in the thermal power stations to produce energy etc. Geothermal energy if utilized properly can be used for a varied number of applications.