What is a hot spring?

Answer 1

A natural spring is the point at which sub-surface ground water emerges from underground. Precipitation is absorbed into the ground by infiltration. If the water hits a non-permeable layer underground (say, clay or fine grained shale) it will flow laterally and sometimes re-emerges in the form of a natural spring.

Answer 2

Actually the common usage of the term "Natural hot spring" refers to the lack of any sort of commercial development of the hot spring.

Usually what you may find at a natural hot spring is the clearing of small pools of large rocks along with the removal of branches etc. There may be a ring of stones that form a pool by helping to contain enough water to immerse oneself

in. Because the locations of these hot springs tend to be closely held secrets, especially if they are fairly close to civilization, you may need to gain the trust of those "in the know." The fear is, of course, that they will become overcrowded and bring all the problems that that entails.

Many of these natural hot springs require a fairly substantial hike into the backcountry but for hikers, the reward is well worth it. What better way to soothe those tired and aching muscles than to find yourself up to your neck in very warm water while surrounded by nature. And your own thoughts.

Answer 3

A hot spring is a natural steam of water that is hot. There are hot springs in Arkansas and North Carolina.

Answer 4

It is an area where geothermally heated water reaches the surface. The groundwater is heated because of close proximity underground to a shallow magmatic intrusion.