Hydrothermal processes

Hydrothermal processes involve the circulation of hot, mineral-rich water through Earth's crust. These hot fluids interact with surrounding rocks, dissolving minerals and transporting them. When conditions change—such as cooling or pressure shifts—these minerals deposit, forming features like veins and ore deposits. Hydrothermal activity plays a key role in creating mineral deposits like gold, silver, and copper, and influences geological features. These processes are essential for understanding how many valuable minerals are formed and are also important in geothermal energy development.