The Geysers

High school (ages 12+)
Environment & Earth

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/the-geysers

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. How big is The Geysers?The world's largest geothermal field, covering approximately 45 square miles
2. When was The Geysers built?First commercial power plant operational in 1960
3. What is the location?Mayacamas Mountains, Sonoma and Lake Counties, California, USA
4. What are The Geysers and why are they special?The Geysers are a giant playground of hot steam inside the Earth, located in Northern California. Underground heat turns water into steam that powers electricity, making it a unique natural power source.
5. How do the Geysers make electricity?Scientists drill wells to tap hot steam, which pushes turbines that spin generators. After the steam turns the turbines, it cools back into water and is pumped back underground.

Tectonic Setting: The geological arrangement of plates and faults that influence Earth's crustal activity.
Baseload Power: A constant supply of electricity that is always available, regardless of time of day or weather.
Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS): Technologies that create or improve geothermal reservoirs in hot dry rock.