Question

The data shows electricity generated from non-hydro renewable resources by state. The majority of the electricity came from wind in 2011 from the top ten states. It appears as if geothermal generated electricity was the least utilized resource. What can you infer is the reason geothermal power is not used more often?

A) The Earth's core is not hot in places.
B) It's impossible to drill under the water to reach the core.
Eliminate
C) Once interior rocks/water are exposed they are not hot enough to generate steam.
D) Drilling through the Earth to reach areas hot enough to create steam is difficult.

Answer 1

Geothermal power is less utilized because drilling to the depths where the Earth is hot enough to produce steam is a difficult process, limiting geothermal energy production to regions with geological hotspots.

Step-by-step explanation:

Based on the data provided, the reason why geothermal power is not used more often can be inferred to be option D) Drilling through the Earth to reach areas hot enough to create steam is difficult. Geothermal energy relies on accessing heat from the Earth's internal geologic processes to produce electricity or for heating, typically near tectonic plate boundaries where geological hotspots are present. This energy source is not universally practical due to the rarity of these hotspots and the significant technical and financial challenges associated with drilling to the required depths to extract this energy. As such, geothermal power generation is often limited to specific regions where geological conditions permit, further complicated by the need for specialized technology and the substantial investment it entails.