Larderello Earthcache EarthCache
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Larderello is the Italian Capital of the geothermal phenomena known
as “soffioni” (geysers). Situated in Tuscany at 390 m,
the area is rich of phenomena as soffioni (geysers), fumarole
(mofettes) and lagoni (hot springs), well known since the
Etruscan-Roman age (III century B.C.).
Laredello takes its name from François-Jacques de Larderel who
first utilised the heath of steam to extract borax. In Larderello
is placed a Museum (Museo della Geotermia) were is shown history of
the exploitation of geothermal energy in all its aspects, from
research to drilling, to the various systems for using geothermal
fluid for the generation of electricity, thermal power, and
mechanical power. Original models and equipment cover the history
of drilling from the beginning when the power of geothermal steam
was utilised for the first time in the world in 1904 to produce
Electric Energy.
Timetable of the Museum
15 Sept.-15 March: Monday-Friday: 8:00 - 12.00 AM and 1:30 - 4.30PM
Sunday: 9.00-12.00 AM and 1.30-5.30 PM Closed on Saturday and
Holydays
15 March-14 Sept: Monday-Friday: 9:00-12.00 AM and 1.30-5.30 PM
Saturday, Sunday and Holydays: 10:00 – 12.00 AM and 1.30-6.30
PM Closed on Easter
Tel. +39-0588.67724
The power of steam (temperature of 220-270°C) is nowadays utilised
by ENEL, the Italian Utility for Electric Energy in 32 Geothermal
Power Plants for a total amount of 750 MW (this allows to spare 3,8
millions of tons of CO2 emissions every year), by drilling several
wells in a terrain of allochthonous complexes in bands of Flysch
(Jurassic-Cretaceous) down to a depth of 500-600 metres, followed
by schists, quartzites, and quartz-matrix conglomerates of the
Verrucano (Upper Triassic). The earth temperature in the
underground increases of 3°C every 100 mts (average), but in
Larderello it increases of 6-8°C every 100 mts. The coordinates
indicated above are related to a fenced «lagone» (hot spring), near
the Museum, partially covered, utilised since 1827 for the
extraction of borax, now abandoned. The access to the museum is
free. A yellow line divide the free area from the area of ENEL
administration buildings where the access is restricted,
don’t cross the line. To claim the cache it is requested to
upload a picture of the museum and send me an e-mail with the name
of the square in which the museum is placed.
Additional Hints
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