2. The geosphere is energized mostly by geothermal heat (heat originating in Ear

Question

2. The geosphere is energized mostly by geothermal heat (heat originating in Earth’s core). Therefore, it is much hotter deep inside Earth than it is near the surface. The geothermal gradient is the rate of temperature increase with depth from Earth’s surface. The deepest mine on Earth is located on the African continent (Carletonville, South Africa: FIGURE 1.5). It is 3.9 km deep, and rocks at that depth are 60°C. Assuming that rocks at the surface of the mine are 0°C, what is the geothermal gradient at the mine? Show your work.

Explanation / Answer

depth of mine = 3.9 km

temperature at surface = 0 degree C

temperature inside the mine = 60 degree C

temperature gradient = 60 - 0 = 60 degree C for 3.9 km

so geo-thermal gradient = 60/3.9 = 15.38 degree C per KM.

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