By Walter Jayawardhana

Sri Lanka government reports said about ten natural hot water springs have been discovered in a scenic area close to the foothills of Dimbulagala hills in Plonnaruwa district.

ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ Dr. S.D.Dharmagunawardena, a geologist who conducted experiments at the hot springs said, ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ…-the hottest spring in the area has water heated to about 61 degrees Celsius.ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”š‚ He said the heat is a remarkable one for a hot water spring.

ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ The spring also close to Nelum Wewa irrigation tank, is surrounded by a scenic view in its back drop, making it a suitable place to develop as a tourist attraction, he said.

ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ A hot spring is the emergence of hot water from the interior of earth. The hot water derives from the crust of the earth when ground water is heated geo-thermally, heat from the interior of the earth.

ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ…-The rate of temperature increase with depth is known as the geothermal gradient. If water percolates deeply enough into the crust, it will be heated as it comes into contact with hot rocks. The water from hot springs in non-volcanic areas is heated in this manner.ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”š‚

ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ Hot water springs are also believed to contain medicinal qualities, according to some believers, as the water contains certain minerals from the interior of the earth.

ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ The researchers on the Polonnaruwa hot water springs said that these springs could be developed for public consumption, as bathing facilities.

ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ Such springs also have been developed elsewhere for power generation. Around the hot water spring close to to Nelum Wewa, six other springs also have been discovered, sources said.