Desert Hot Springs' natural hot mineral waters originate from the Desert Hot Springs Aquifer. This underground water source is heated by ancient geothermal forces deep within the earth.
Understanding the Source of the Water
The unique properties of the hot springs in Desert Hot Springs are a result of a specific geological setup. The water comes from a large underground reservoir known as an aquifer.
Here's a breakdown of the process:
- The Source: The water begins its journey in the Desert Hot Springs Aquifer. This is a vast underground layer of permeable rock that holds groundwater.
- The Heating Mechanism: While the aquifer provides the water, its heat comes from below. Ancient geothermal forces, located thousands of feet below the earth's surface, heat the rock and water in the aquifer. This natural heating process is what gives the springs their characteristic warmth.
- Rising to the Surface: The heated water then finds its way to the surface through natural fissures and faults in the earth, creating the hot springs that the area is famous for.
Unlike some other geothermal areas where water might come from surface runoff percolating down, the water in Desert Hot Springs is specifically linked to this deep aquifer system heated by the earth's internal heat.
This natural system provides a continuous supply of mineral-rich, hot water that is used in spas, resorts, and private pools throughout the city.
