Geothermal gradients

The geothermal gradient describes how Earth's temperature increases as you go deeper underground. Typically, the temperature rises by about 25 to 30°C per kilometer below the surface, though this can vary depending on location and geology. This heat comes from the planet’s formation, radioactive decay, and residual heat. Understanding geothermal gradients helps in exploring for geothermal energy and assessing geological activity, as regions with higher gradients may have accessible heat sources for power generation or indicate volcanic activity.