Environment & Ecology question from UPSC CSE-Prelims, 2018
The energy that is harnessed from the volcanic regions under the earth’s surface and is used to generate power and heat is known as
Last updated Jun 24, 2026
Correct Answer:
Option D —
Geo-thermal Energy
The term comes from the Greek words geo (earth) and therme (heat). This energy is generated by tapping into the natural heat stored beneath the Earth's crust—often near tectonic plate boundaries or volcanic "hotspots"—where magma heats underground water into steam that can spin turbines.
Why the other options don't fit:
Wave Energy: Harnesses the kinetic energy of ocean surface waves.
Windmill Energy: Uses the flow of air (wind) to mechanicaly turn blades.
Spring Energy: Generally refers to elastic potential energy in physics (like a coiled metal spring) or, occasionally, the natural flow of groundwater, but it is not a primary source of volcanic power generation.
Answer verified by Quintessence Classes faculty — Karan Nagar, Srinagar.
