A Global and Local Look at Geothermal Activity

The Earth’s crust is made up of large surfaces called tectonic plates. The most geothermal activity occurs where these plates comes together because this is where magma nears the surface, which also makes volcanoes in these areas.

On the world map, most geothermal activity is located along the coasts of major continents. As of 2005, 24 countries were generating electricity using geothermal resources. The U.S. generates the most geothermal electricity.

In the U.S., most geothermal activity is located in the west, along with Alaska and Hawaii. Of states that have geothermal resources, California generates the most electricity with its 34 power plants. It’s also home to the world’s largest dry steam power plant, The Geysers.