In some springs in Yellowstone National Park, for example, magma superheats the water before it rises back to the surface. But temperatures can reach much higher than that, even surpassing the point of boiling. At that temperature, you can get a serious burn in about 10 minutes. In fact, hot springs can appear deceptively cool.Īt 122☏ (50☌), you’ve got a hot spring.

There’s a big difference between warm springs and hot springs, and you can’t necessarily tell the difference just by looking. The water temperature in a thermal spring is higher than that of other ground water in the area. Keep reading to learn more about hot potting, whether it’s safe, and what you need to know before you take the plunge. Hot potters have a passion for traveling from hot spring to hot spring, alone or in groups. The practice is known for promoting relaxation and general wellness, along with a few other health claims. People have been soaking in warm or hot springs for thousands of years. Another is to soak in the soothing, mineral-rich waters. One big draw, of course, is their awe-inspiring natural beauty. In volcanic areas, water may gain heat from contact with hot magma.Īll around the world, hot springs are popular tourist destinations, with many a spa sprouting up nearby. The deeper the rocks, the hotter the temperature. Hot springs, also known as thermal springs, form when water seeps deep into the Earth and circulates back up. “Hot potting” is the practice of soaking in natural hot springs.

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