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2021 | Buch

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The Geoheritage of Hot Springs

verfasst von: Dr. Patricia Erfurt

Verlag: Springer International Publishing

Buchreihe : Geoheritage, Geoparks and Geotourism

Enthalten in: Springer Professional "Wirtschaft+Technik" , Springer Professional "Technik"

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The aim of this book is to provide an overview of topics related to the extensive geoheritage of hot springs, their natural environments, and their integration into commercial and industrial functions. The eleven chapters explore aspects of historical and cultural traditions, geology and geochemistry, research updates, conservation issues and of course health, wellness, and recreation throughout time. Because natural hot springs and active hydrothermal areas play a significant role in the tourism industry, visitor expectations are examined together with an assessment of common hazards and potential risks in active hydrothermal environments, along with recommendations how to stay safe.

For the purpose of showcasing certain unique features, to share noteworthy events and developments or to identify concerns associated with the sustainability of natural water source, examples of particular hot spring areas are included in several chapters. One chapter is also dedicated entirely to the protection of natural hot springs and raises awareness for conservation, while another chapter reviews the history of hot springs in great detail to establish a realistic and justifiable timeline of their original use. Lastly, the significance of natural hot springs for various tourism sectors is analysed and the potential for sustainable future destination development in rural and remote regions is discussed.

Many locations were considered and invite the reader to use the information as a reference point in the quest to further explore the remarkable natural and cultural geoheritage of hot springs worldwide.

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Frontmatter

Chapter 1. Hot Springs: A General Perspective

Abstract

Hot springs are a remarkable natural resource. For thousands of years they have played a significant role in a wide range of areas related to human society, including culture, history, religion, and most specifically, human health, wellbeing and recreation.

Patricia Erfurt

Chapter 2. The Geology of Hot Springs

Abstract

Hot springs are a remarkable natural resource and have fascinated civilisations all over the world for thousands of years.

Patricia Erfurt

Chapter 3. The Geochemistry of Hot Springs

Abstract

The geochemistry of hot springs is fundamental to explain the composition of hydrothermal fluids and includes references to their most common mineral content. Different sections of the chapter are looking at various hydrothermal processes as well as unusual thermo-tolerant life forms such as thermophiles and hyper-thermophiles. The chemical composition of hydrothermal solutions is further explored in the context of mineral deposits and hydrothermal alteration.

Patricia Erfurt

Chapter 4. The Conservation of Hot Springs

Abstract

All hot springs, regardless of their temperature and flow rate, their size and location, or their economic usage, face threats to their sustainability. These threats are to a large degree based on human activities, which have led to the contamination and over-exploitation of a vast number of natural water resources on a global scale. This applies to groundwater reservoirs as well as hydrothermal systems. Researchers have analysed satellite observations spanning 14 years and were able to directly associate undesirable changes in freshwater storage areas with several key factors: human impact, climate change and natural variability (NASA. (NASA (2018) NASA satellites reveal major shifts in global freshwater. Retrieved from https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-satellites-reveal-major-shifts-in-global-freshwater). NASA Satellites Reveal Major Shifts in Global Freshwater. Retrieved from https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-satellites-reveal-major-shifts-in-global-freshwater.). While perhaps not much can be done about natural variability such as changing rainfall patterns influenced by climatic phenomena like the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO), the threat of climate change however should be taken more seriously and counteracted in every possible way; especially, where human interference might accelerate a looming water crisis.

Patricia Erfurt

Chapter 5. Hot Springs Throughout History

Abstract

Throughout time, natural hot springs were the reason for communities to establish settlements close to thermal water sources to use them for health benefits, recreation, and domestic purposes. An extensive exploration of the history of hot spring use has led to establishing a timeline that is to a large degree based on written accounts. The extent of the history of natural hot springs clearly demonstrates that their usage has worldwide origins, reaching back to ancient civilisations and most likely even further to prehistoric cultures. Records of early societies and their traditional use of natural hot springs as well as their remaining geoheritage are discussed and supported with examples from various countries. The use of hot springs for health and recreation is embedded in the history of all countries, where such hydrothermal resources were considered a blessing by the communities who settles in their vicinity.

Patricia Erfurt

Chapter 6. Hot Springs and Their Cultural Heritage

Abstract

This chapter takes an alternative approach to the history of hot springs by focusing on the cultural geoheritage with examples from different countries. Hot spring sites have played a consistent role in determining human settlements as they were not only important points of water supply, but they also provided a source of warm and mineral-rich water with healing benefits. The cultural knowledge from early civilisations was passed on from one generation to the next and reflects the special cultural, mythological, and religious connections different societies had with natural water sources. For thousands of years different societies used hot spring sites as centres for cultural activities and communal gatherings. To this day purification and cleansing rituals in combination with prayer are still a tradition to refresh and balance body, mind, and soul.

Patricia Erfurt

Chapter 7. Hot Springs and Their Natural Heritage

Abstract

The cultural and natural heritage of hot springs is closely linked with many intersecting margins, and it can be challenging to separate some of their individual characteristics. While the main objective of this book is to explore and examine the wide-reaching geoheritage of hot springs in different settings, this chapter is looking primarily at aspects of the natural heritage related to hydrothermal areas.

Patricia Erfurt

Chapter 8. Hot Springs, Health and Wellbeing

Abstract

In ancient times places of healing were repeatedly established near hot springs and a belief in their divine curative powers developed.

Patricia Erfurt

Chapter 9. Visitor Expectations and Risk Management at Hot Spring Destinations

Abstract

Hot springs are visited by millions of people every year, which makes hot spring tourism a commercial sector based entirely on a unique natural resource. Visitors of hot springs include people from all walks of life, who appreciate interesting destinations that at the same time are beneficial for their health and provide recreational opportunities. With thousands of hot spring locations to choose from, there is no easy formula to categorise different aspects of hot spring tourism. Some key variables include (1) shifting consumer trends, (2) the geographical location, and (3) the geophysical attractions of natural hot spring sites. To be more specific, the wellness trend that started in the 1990s, has also contributed significantly to the popularity of existing hot spring destinations as well as instigating new developments together with upgrades and redevelopments of older hot spring infrastructure.

Patricia Erfurt

Chapter 10. Glossary of Terms Related to the Geoheritage of Hot Springs

Abstract

The glossary compiled for this chapter is intended to assist the reader with a collection of definitions and technical terms related to the subject of natural hot springs and their geoheritage. Because some of the terms may not be familiar to every reader, definitions have been selected to present a quick reference as well as to clarify similar sounding terminology. The following list includes terms not only from Earth science disciplines such as geology, volcanology, mineralogy and hydrogeology, but also from other fields of study including environmental science, conservation and sustainability as well as definitions related to hot spring spa medicine. The glossary contains more than 200 terms, which are central to the geoheritage of hot springs and other directly related subject areas. The content was compiled from a variety of relevant literature sources, which are listed at the end of this chapter. For further information, recommended readings together with the literature referenced throughout this book offer a choice of additional sources.

Patricia Erfurt

Chapter 11. Hot Springs—A Final Overview

Abstract

The aim of the final chapter is to draw together some essential viewpoints discussed in earlier parts of this book, as well as adding some thoughts about a few topics that warrant their inclusion here.

Patricia Erfurt

Backmatter

Titel: The Geoheritage of Hot Springs
verfasst von: Dr. Patricia Erfurt
Verlag: Springer International Publishing
Electronic ISBN: 978-3-030-60463-9
Print ISBN: 978-3-030-60462-2
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-60463-9