Genesis of Thermal Springs

Abstract

In this chapter an attempt has been made to infer about origin of heat, water, gas and mineral constituents related to thermal springs of Odisha and to correlate them with the genesis of thermal springs. The source of heat is considered as the geothermal gradient inside the earth, from fault zones during tectonic movement in the crust, chemical changes (exothermic reactions) and disintegration of radioactive elements. The fluid phase may be derived from percolation of meteoric water inside the crust through structural openings which is subsequently heated up and manifest in the form of hot springs on the surface of the earth. Water during circulation may be charged with atmospheric gases and this may be the cause of origin of nitrogen and oxygen etc. The gases such as methane and carbon dioxide are formed due essentially to decomposition of organic materials. The rare gas helium, associated with the thermal springs, is regarded to be originated by the disintegration of radioactive minerals. The mineral constituents present in the spring water are due to the rock assemblages through which the hot meteoric water has been circulated. The chemical constituents are formed due to interaction between hot meteoric water and the mineralogical composition of the rocks. The chemical components present in the thermal springs of Odisha have not only enabled to categorize the type of water but also impart therapeutic value.