Energy produced by heat within the earth.

• A. Biomass Energy
• B. Oil Sands
• C. Coal
• D. Geothermal Energy

Answer: (D)

Geothermal energy is energy produced by heat from inside the Earth. This heat, stored in rocks and fluids beneath the surface, can be accessed by drilling into hot areas to tap steam or hot water. That steam or water can drive turbines to generate electricity or be used directly for heating. It’s renewable when managed well because the Earth’s internal heat is continually produced, though extraction must be balanced with recharge at each site.

Biomass energy comes from burning organic matter that has captured solar energy, not from the Earth’s internal heat. Oil sands are deposits of bitumen mined and refined to produce liquid fuels, which is fossil-fuel energy. Coal is also fossil-fuel energy formed from ancient plant material and burned to release energy. None of these rely on heat from inside the Earth, which is why geothermal energy is the correct choice.