III.

Geothermal Reservoirs

In certain areas, water seeping down through cracks and fissures in the crust comes in contact with this hot rock and is heated to high temperatures. Some of this heated water circulates back to the surface and appears as hot springs and geysers. However, the rising hot water may remain underground in areas of permeable hot rock, forming geothermal reservoirs. Geothermal reservoirs, which may reach temperatures of more than 350° C (700° F), can provide a powerful source of energy.