What are the hot springs

What are the hot springs

By Dr. Kyle Muller

The formations where thermal waters arise can be found throughout the world. While there is a lot in Latin America countries, it is also possible to find hot springs in Europe and Asia. In itself, the hot springs are a great tourist attraction, since they are very sought after for the benefits they provide. If you want to meet What are the hot springswe recommend reading this ecology article in which you can evacuate your concerns about what the hot springs are.

Definition of hot springs

To understand what thermal waters are, we must begin by knowing what the mineromedicinal waters are: natural waters that in their composition have dissolved mineral substances in different proportions and, these mineral substances, are conducive to cure some diseases.

On the other hand, mineromedicinal waters can be classified according to their temperature in cold waters and hot or hot springs. Therefore, hot springs can be defined as Mineromedicinal waters whose temperature exceeds 4 ยฐ C at the surface temperature.

How are the hot springs

Now we will enter the world of geology to understand how the hot springs are formed. Drawing us in history, at first the hot springs were considered a miracle of nature. Then they began to be related to volcanic activity, but the truth is that not all are dependent on volcanism. Next, we will develop the Two types of origins of hot springs.

Thermal waters of meteoric or telluric origin

The water present on the surface of the Earth, infiltrates the ground descending by gravity until it reaches deeper layers. Through your Underground circulationthe water goes increasing temperature and incorporating salts and minerals of the terrain. Subsequently, these waters can rise to the surface by cracks and cracks of the rocks.

The composition of the hot springs of telluric origin varies significantly and depends in its entire particularities of the land in which it infiltrates. As for the temperature, in general terms, it is 35-40 ยฐ C.although it varies according to the depth of the infiltration of water and the speed with which it goes outside.

If you want to know how groundwater is formed, do not hesitate to take a look at this other article that we recommend.

Magmatic origin waters

This type of hot springs originate from the Magma crystallization which causes release to the surface of fumarolas, whose composition is based on hydrogen and water vapor along with elements such as fluorine, chlorine, sulfur, carbon, phosphorus and boron. In general, the temperature of this type of hot springs, round 50 ยฐ C..

It is worth clarifying that there are hot springs whose Origin is mixedthat is to say by a combination of infiltrated waters of telluric origin with magmatic origin.

Here you can find out how volcanoes are formed and what is magma: guys, where it is and how it is formed.

Types of hot springs

The hot springs can be classified according to their temperature and composition. Next, we will develop each of its classifications to understand the types of hot springs that exist:

Thermal waters according to temperature

Within the thermal waters category according to its temperature, we can find:

  • Cold waters: With temperatures less than 20 ยฐ C.
  • Hypothermal waters: With temperatures of the range of 20-35 ยฐ C.
  • Mesothermal waters: With temperatures of the range of 35-45 ยฐ C.
  • Hyperthermal waters: With 45-100 ยฐ C range temperatures.
  • Supertermal waters: With temperatures greater than 100 ยฐ C.

Thermal waters according to its composition

    Within the thermal waters category according to its composition, we can find:

    • Ferruginous waters: composed mainly of iron.
    • Chlorinated waters: Its composition is based on high proportions of chlorine.
    • Sulfur waters: With large concentrations of sulfur.
    • Sulfated waters: With large concentrations of sulfur combined with sodium, calcium, chlorine or magnesium.
    • Bicarbonated waters: Alkalines whose main compound is bicarbonate.

    BENEFITS OF THE THERMAL WATERS

    As we have mentioned above, thermal waters are mineromedical waters, so the minerals that compose it present Healing properties And, indeed, they are beneficial for the human being. In the next list we will detail some the benefits of the hot springs:

    • Relaxation: A diving in hot springs helps to reconcile moments of relaxation. It is a therapeutic technique that allows to reduce stress, anxiety and nerves.
    • Toxin elimination: The sweat that causes the heat of the hot springs allows to eliminate toxins from the body and thus purify the blood.
    • Blood circulation activation: The contrast between cold and hot water baths can cause blood vessels to run and dilate. In this way, the circulation of blood in the limbs is stimulated and tired legs are improved or venous insufficiency, for example.
    • Myorrelajante action: The hot springs act as a muscular myorrelajante, therefore calman pains related to muscle contractures or problems such as low back pain or tendonitis.
    • Soothing action: Thermal waters constitute a very good soothing for skin -related effects, such as psoriasis and dermatitis.

    Contraindications of the hot springs

    Although, the hot springs present more benefits than disadvantages, there are some contraindications of their use such as:

    • Transmission of infectious diseases
    • Heart disease
    • Hypertension

    To improve your experience in thermal waters, we recommend that you avoid them in the following cases:

    • For long periods: To do this, be sure to know what is the maximum recommended period to remain in the different hot springs pools.
    • Introduce dermal effects that can be transmitted.
    • During the morning: This is because at night the blood tension decreases and to immerse ourselves in hot springs in the early hours of the morning our blood tension could decrease even more.

    If you want to read more articles similar to What are the hot springswe recommend that you enter our category of other environment.

    Literature
    • of the Chamber, MSM (1956). Geochemistry of thermal waters. Royal National Academy of Medicine.
    • Pinuaga Espejel, JI (SF). Hydrothermal infrastructure. Geominero Technological Institute of Spain.
    Kyle Muller
    About the author
    Dr. Kyle Muller
    Dr. Kyle Mueller is a Research Analyst at the Harris County Juvenile Probation Department in Houston, Texas. He earned his Ph.D. in Criminal Justice from Texas State University in 2019, where his dissertation was supervised by Dr. Scott Bowman. Dr. Mueller's research focuses on juvenile justice policies and evidence-based interventions aimed at reducing recidivism among youth offenders. His work has been instrumental in shaping data-driven strategies within the juvenile justice system, emphasizing rehabilitation and community engagement.
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