Nigeria's free digital learning hub. Videos, lecture notes, practice questions and leaderboards aligned with CCMAS, NBTE, NCCE, WAEC, NECO, IJMB and JAMB curricula.
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Nigeria's free digital learning hub. Videos, lecture notes, practice questions and leaderboards aligned with CCMAS, NBTE, NCCE, WAEC, NECO, IJMB and JAMB curricula.
The origin and nature of heat flow from the Earth are rooted in the planet’s internal structure and dynamic processes. Much of this heat comes from two primary sources: the residual energy left over from Earth’s formation about 4.5 billion years ago, and the continuous radioactive decay of elements such as uranium, thorium, and potassium within the mantle and crust. This internal heat moves outward toward the surface through conduction, convection, and volcanic activity, creating a steady flow known as geothermal heat flux. The intensity of heat flow varies across regions, being higher in tectonically active zones like mid-ocean ridges, volcanic arcs, and rift valleys, where magma rises closer to the surface. In contrast, stable continental interiors exhibit lower heat flow. Understanding this natural transfer of energy is crucial, as it not only shapes geological phenomena like earthquakes and volcanism but also provides a sustainable source of geothermal energy for human use.
This lecture is part of GPH 410 GEOPHYSICS AND GEOTHERMAL ENERGY in the Geophysics department. The course has 30 recorded lectures across 10 series, all free to watch.
