Geothermal heat map of US hot springs
A new interactive web map plots US hot springs over a geothermal heat flow model, contrasting the active West with the East.
summary is enough The visualization is neat, but user feedback reveals data inaccuracies and private property risks that make field use risky.
summary
SoakingSprings.com pairs hot spring locations with the Stanford Thermal Earth Model and satellite surface temperatures to visualize geothermal heat flow across the United States. It clearly illustrates why springs concentrate in the tectonically active, fault-fractured West rather than the East. However, Hacker News comments point out serious data quality issues, including misplaced pins on private land, LLM-generated descriptions, and dangerous volcanic fumaroles labeled as soaking spots.
key points
- Combines USGS and Stanford Thermal Earth Model data to plot hot springs against ground heat flow values in milliwatts per square meter.
- Demonstrates the striking geological contrast between the high-heat Western US and the deeper, sparse thermal circulation of the East.
- User feedback highlights major data errors, such as listings on private property and misidentified boiling fumaroles.
who should read it
Outdoor enthusiasts, travelers, and individuals interested in geography and geothermal energy.
discussion positive
consensus
Commenters appreciate the aesthetic and conceptual appeal of the map, but agree the underlying data requires careful verification before field use.
pushback
Several users warn that following the map blindly risks severe trespassing issues or accidentally visiting lethal volcanic fumaroles.
Oy. Checked a couple of these I know personally. You'll find yourself in a world of trespassing if you use this.
It provides a direct reality check from someone familiar with the locations, warning of potential trespassing dangers.
Generated by an LLM from the article and thread. Check the sources before relying on it.