What are Hot Springs

Hot springs are springs that emerge out from the surface of the earth as geo-thermally heated ground water, some are safe temperatures and some can be extremely hot.

How are hot springs formed?

Hot springs are formed by the heat from magma, which is molten rock, in volcanic areas. If the water seeps into the ground at a deeper level, over heats and builds up pressure to erupt, it is known as a geyser.

In non – volcanic areas, it is generally ground water that has come into contact with hot rocks.

What is the composition of minerals in hot springs?

The hot water in hot springs contains many dissolved minerals.

Minerals like sulphur, calcium, sulphate, magnesium, iron, chloride, potassium, zinc are some of the minerals found commonly in hot springs.

These are said to be beneficial when you soak in the springs and help heal several ailments, like joint pains, skin diseases etc.

What are thermophilic micro – organisms?

Thermophilic micro – organisms thrive in hot springs. These include certain types of cyanobacteria and species of archaea and algae.

Many of them grow in colonies forming mats, that form the colourful scums and slimes on the sides of hot springs.

These micro – organisms grow in hot springs and derive their energy from the various chemicals in the water.

What are black smokers?

Under the ocean, hot water springs rise from vents in the ocean floor. Minerals present in the hot water, make it look like smoke is being released. This is why they are known as black smokers.

6 Interesting facts about Hot Springs

1. In certain areas, buildings and greenhouses are heated with water pumped from hot springs.
2. Most hot springs discharge groundwater that is heated by shallow intrusions of magma in volcanic areas.
3. Many thermophilic organisms grow in huge colonies mats that form the colourful scums and slimes on the sides of hot springs.
4. The compositions of hot spring waters are determined by the temperatures and types of rocks encountered during underground flow.
5. Many of the colours in hot springs are caused by thermophilic (heat-loving) microorganisms.
6. Soaking in hot springs have many health benefits due to the minerals in them.

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