UPSC Current Affairs
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Why in the news?
IN A first, a team of scientists from the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Region and National Institute of Ocean Technology imaged an active hydrothermal vent located at a depth of 4,500 m in the Central and South West Indian Ridges in Southern Indian Ocean. Hydrothermal vents: Hydrothermal vents, largely found near tectonic plates, are underwater springs where cold water (about 2 degrees Celsius) prevailing near the seabed comes in close contact with magma in a tectonically active region. When this cold water trickles through fissures on the ocean crust and admixtures with magma, it can turn into super hot water (up to 370 degrees Celsius) and emerge as plumes, rich in minerals and gases, through chimneys and vents. About Hot Spring: A Hot Spring, also known as a geothermal spring is a naturally occurring spring of water that emerges due to heated groundwater. The heat produced is either through the magma within the Earth’s crust or through the movement of fault in the crust. Key Facts on Hot Spring: A Hot Spring is a naturally occurring spring of water that is hotter than 98 degrees Fahrenheit (36.7 degrees Celsius) when it flows from the ground The temperature of this water remains high even during the winter season when the land is covered with ice and snow Hot Spring can be used by human beings for various purposes, based on their temperature There are minerals present in the water released by Hot Spring Hot springs often host communities of microorganisms adapted to life in hot, mineral-laden water. These include extremophile that thrives at high temperature What is Geyser – Hot Spring? A jet of steam and hot water that immediately spouts out of the ground is known as Geyser. It results from the heating of groundwater by shallow bodies of magma. As water is ejected from geysers and is cooled, dissolved silica is precipitated in mounds on the surface. This material is known as sinter. What are Mud Pots – Hot Spring? When the water in a hot spring mixes with dirt or clay before it reaches the surface, the spring is called a mud pot How is Hot Spring Formed? When the rainwater or the groundwater heats upon coming in contact with the rocks that have been heated by magma, deep beneath the Earth’s surface, Hot Spring is formed. This form of geothermal spring generally occurs in areas near volcanic activities. Formation of hot spring is also possible in areas with no volcanic activities. This happens when rainwater flows into the ground and is heated by the radioactive decay of elements present in the rocks and soils that it flows through. How Hot Spring is useful for Human Beings? Hot Springs are tourist attractions in countries where they are present Due to the presence of dissolved minerals in the water formed through Hot Spring, it also holds therapeutic uses. It also has medical attributes Many Hot Springs have been converted into rehabilitation centers for disabled persons Also, beneficial for animals during the extremely cold season. As animals find heat near these sprouts. How is Geothermal Spring dangerous? However, not all Hot Springs can be used for human purposes due to their high temperature, which is not suitable for living beings. Also, the naturally occurring chemical in springs close to volcanic activities can cause severe burns on the skin. Hot Springs In India: India comprises numerous natural hot water springs which have naturally emerged from the geothermal forces beneath the Earth’s surface. With dissolved chemicals and medicinal properties, Hot Springs are present in various parts of the country. Given below are a few of the springs in India:
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