A Natural History of Hot Springs

Abstract

Geothermal scientists and hot spring researchers tend to focus on different aspects of geothermal resources, yet can learn much from each other. It is useful for geothermal specialists, for example, to understand that many profound scientific discoveries have been made in relatively shallow, low temperature systems. These discoveries have taught us a great deal about how life may have begun and how it may have evolved. Perhaps more important, hot spring organisms present truly beneficial bioengineering opportunities. Hot springs appear to be essential lenses for discovering what life is, was, and might become. The overlap between geothermal and academic research is relatively small and manageable, so far, but conflicts may well arise as both activities continue to mushroom. Thus it is prudent at this stage for the geothermal community not only to understand hot spring research, but to explore the many cooperative -- and possibly quite profitable -- possibilities.