Final answer:
Geothermal energy is captured from Earth's heat, often at tectonic plate boundaries, where conditions are suitable for geothermal power plants that use steam or hot water to produce electricity.
Step-by-step explanation:
Geothermal energy is captured from Earth's heat and is primarily found at sites where there is geological activity, such as near tectonic plate boundaries. This energy is harnessed to produce electricity or provide heating in geothermal power plants. The process involves drilling wells to reach reservoirs of steam or hot water, which can then be used to turn turbines and generate electricity. Regions with geothermal power plants have proximate access to high-temperature magma, which provides a more efficient means to capture geothermal energy. Although geothermal energy sources can be found in various locations, practical extraction is limited to places with unusual geothermal activity.
Geothermal energy is not related to wind turbines, the sun's rays, ocean currents, nuclear power plants, or coal mines. The correct way to capture geothermal energy is through the use of geothermal power plants and technologies that utilize Earth's subsurface heat. For instance, a heat-exchange system may be installed to use the earth as a heat source in winter or a heat sink in summer, reducing the energy needed for heating or air-conditioning.