A friend has journeyed to the mountain foothills to escape the effects of radioactivity altogether. While bathing in the warmth of a natural hot spring, she wonders aloud how the spring gets its heat. What do you tell her?
You keep it quiet.
http://www.theodoregray.com/PeriodicTable/PopularScience/2004/08/2/index.html
To explain how a natural hot spring gets its heat, we need to understand the geological processes involved. Typically, hot springs are formed when groundwater circulates deep below the Earth's surface, coming into contact with hot rocks or magma chambers. Here's a step-by-step explanation of the process:
1. Heat source: The primary heat source for a natural hot spring is the Earth's internal heat. This heat is generated from radioactive decay of elements in the Earth's core and mantle, as well as residual heat from its formation.
2. Groundwater circulation: As rain or melted snow seeps into the ground, it is gradually absorbed into the Earth and becomes groundwater. This water collects in underground aquifers, porous rock formations capable of storing and transporting water.
3. Deep circulation: In some areas, groundwater can be driven deep underground by natural forces such as tectonic activity or variations in pressure. As it sinks deeper, it gets closer to heat sources like hot rocks or magma chambers.
4. Heat transfer: When groundwater comes into contact with hot rocks or magma chambers, heat transfer occurs. The high temperature of the rocks or magma heats up the surrounding water.
5. Upward movement: Due to its lower density, the heated water rises back towards the Earth's surface. As it ascends, it collects dissolved minerals and gases from the rocks, resulting in the distinctive mineral content and sometimes bubbles found in hot springs.
6. Emergence: When the heated water reaches the surface, it emerges as a hot spring, creating a natural geothermal feature. The temperature of the spring can vary greatly depending on the proximity to the heat source and the depth from which the groundwater originated.
It's important to note that the presence of a natural hot spring does not necessarily indicate radioactivity in the area. Hot springs can be found in various geological settings and are not always associated with radioactivity.