Related Terms

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Background

• The term "geothermal" can be literally translated from Greek terminology to mean "from heat within the earth."
• Geothermal power comes from the radioactive decay of minerals that helped to form planet Earth more than four billion years ago, among other factors.
• Geothermal heat continuously flows from the earth's core towards the earth's surface. This results in the formation of hot springs, geysers, volcanoes, and fumaroles (openings in the earth's crust) through faults and cracks in the surface.
• Fluids from the earth are mostly water containing varying amounts of dissolved salts. These salts are present in the liquid phase, but sometimes consist of a saturated, liquid vapor mixture, often called "superheated steam vapor."
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Technique

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Theory/Evidence

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Health Impact/Safety

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Future Research or Applications

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Author Information

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References

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

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