Hydrothermal Circulation

Hydrothermal circulation involves the movement of heated, mineral-rich water through the Earth's crust. This process occurs when water seeps down into cracks and porous rocks, where it gets heated by underlying magma or hot rocks. The warm water then rises back toward the surface, carrying dissolved minerals and heat with it. This circulation influences the formation of mineral deposits like veins of gold or other metals, contributes to geothermal energy, and shapes certain geological features. It’s a natural system that redistributes heat and materials within the Earth's crust over geological timescales.