Explore the Geothermal Energy & Earth's Interior Simulator
Drill a virtual geothermal well into an Earth cross-section and compute real temperature-versus-depth, extracted thermal energy.
- Free to use
- No signup
- Nothing to install
- Runs in your browser
Illustration. Open the tool for the real thing.
See it in action
The Geothermal Energy & Earth's Interior Simulator with sample data entered and the result showing.
What is the Geothermal Energy & Earth's Interior Simulator?
Drill a virtual geothermal well into an Earth cross-section and compute real temperature-versus-depth, extracted thermal energy and electrical power output. It runs in your browser, so a change to a setting or a drag on an object shows up at once.
This is the real engineering trade-off behind geothermal plants like those in Iceland and The Geysers, California: depth, gradient and flow rate versus drilling cost and efficiency.
3 steps to your result
Open the tool and follow along. Nothing to install.
What you get
Temperature rises with depth at the geothermal gradient, typically 25–30°C per kilometer in the crust.
Thermal energy extracted depends on fluid flow rate, the temperature difference, and how well the rock conducts heat to the well.
Electrical power is limited by thermodynamic (Carnot) efficiency, which grows with a bigger temperature difference.
Drill to 5 km and read the temperature the geothermal gradient predicts.
Raise the fluid flow rate and watch extracted thermal energy climb.
Compare a 15°C/km gradient region to a 40°C/km volcanic region at the same depth.
Used for
Pick one to see how it fits.
Teachers
For teachers: project the Geothermal Energy & Earth's Interior Simulator on the board, let students predict the result, then run it together and test this: Raise the fluid flow rate and watch extracted thermal energy climb. For students: change one thing at a time and write down what changes.
Try it freeHow it compares
A plain look at this tool next to the usual alternative.
| This simulation | Textbook diagram | |
|---|---|---|
| Interactive | Drag, tap and change settings | Fixed picture |
| Install | Nothing to install | Not needed |
| Cost | Free to use | Depends on the book |
Questions people ask
Why can't all geothermal wells generate much power?
Even with a good geothermal gradient, the temperature difference available is small compared to a fossil-fuel plant, so Carnot-limited efficiency stays low.
Why do geothermal plants favor volcanic regions?
Volcanic areas bring hot rock much closer to the surface, so wells reach useful temperatures at a fraction of the depth and cost.
Is the Geothermal Energy & Earth's Interior Simulator free to use?
Yes. The Geothermal Energy & Earth's Interior Simulator is free, needs no signup or download and runs in your web browser. It is part of the Geology group of AZRS simulations.
Does the Geothermal Energy & Earth's Interior Simulator work on a phone or tablet?
Yes. The Geothermal Energy & Earth's Interior Simulator takes touch input as well as mouse input, so you can use its 5 adjustable settings with a finger. A larger screen makes the controls and graphs easier to read.
How do I use the Geothermal Energy & Earth's Interior Simulator?
1. In the Geothermal Energy & Earth's Interior Simulator, use the controls to change Drilling depth, Geothermal gradient, Rock thermal conductivity, Fluid flow rate, Well diameter. The simulation reacts instantly. 2. In the Geothermal Energy & Earth's Interior Simulator, press "Max out the well" to start, reset or change what is happening. 3. Start with this experiment: Drill to 5 km and read the temperature the geothermal gradient predicts. Drag any glowing handle, object or slider with your mouse or finger and the Geothermal Energy & Earth's Interior Simulator responds in real time. 4. Change one setting at a time and watch which readout moves, then compare it with this idea: Temperature rises with depth at the geothermal gradient, typically 25–30°C per kilometer in the crust.
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Try the Geothermal Energy & Earth's Interior Simulator now
Drill a virtual geothermal well into an Earth cross-section and compute real. Free to use.
Try it free