Mineral-depositing hydrothermal ecosystems, such as the hot springs in Yellowstone National Park, provide an unparalleled opportunity to document how microbial biosignatures form and contribute to the body of evidence indicative of the microbial inhabitants of active hot springs. Mineralization of microbial communities in silica-depositing hot springs can result in the preservation of microbial biofacies in the geologic record. To determine the effects of prolonged aerial exposure on the preservation potential of mid-to-low temperature cyanobacteria dominated microbial communities that are typically permineralized in the siliceous sinter, modern biofacies samples of such communities were collected from the active and inactive parts of Queen's Laundry hot spring in Yellowstone National Park. The strategy of the research was to: (1) perform qualitative and quantitative characterization of structural and morphometric attributes of subaqueous and aerially exposed Calothrix biofacies samples collected from terraces; and (2) determine whether prolonged subaerial exposure affected the fidelity of morphological biosignatures (i.e., biofabrics and microbial cells) in the aerially exposed samples. To ensure that the permanently subaqueous and aerially exposed samples were comparable, a protocol developed to describe structural and morphological attributes of stromatolites was utilized to characterize the hot spring samples. Morphometric analysis of both types of Calothrix biofacies samples (i.e., partly silicified subaqueous and aerially exposed samples) revealed the presence of: distinct microbially influenced structures; thicker lamina at or near the base of the terraces; the greatest density of microorganisms in microbial structures; and increased microbial structure flatness as height of the microbial structures within the terrace proper increased. These characteristics were also used to provide a means to interpret the environmental conditions within which the terrace structures developed. To determine whether prolonged subaerial exposure affected the morphological fidelity of the biosignatures in the aerially exposed samples, the microstructure of these samples was studied in detail petrographically. A silica layer defined the boundary between laminae and was referred to as the "capping" silica deposit because it was found to "cap" all of the laminae in the Calothrix biofacies samples. The top most capping silica deposit of the aerially exposed Calothrix biofacies samples was found to be distinctly different from the capping silica deposits in the interior of the same sample and in the partly mineralized subaqueous Calothrix biofacies samples. The aerially exposed capping silica deposit was milky and glassy in appearance and contained fine laminations. The fine laminations were not found in any laminae of the biofacies samples. Another key finding of the project is a new evaluation of the preservation potential of the Calothrix terrace samples. Petrographic observations revealed that preservation of the morphological fidelity of the laminae and the microstructures within them was significantly higher within the microbial shrub and domical structures in both the partially silicified subaqueous and aerially exposed Calothrix biofacies samples than other microstructure types observed. In summary, a detailed morphometric characterization protocol confirmed that it is possible to identify similar features in Calothrix biofacies found inside the active part of the hot spring as well as beyond the perimeter (i.e., aerially exposed for ≥ 3 years) at multiple spatial scales; only the top-most capping silica deposit of the aerially exposed samples is altered by subaerial exposure; the preservation potential for Calothrix biofabrics is highest within shrub and domical structures; and morphometric analysis on a variety of Calothrix terraced structures could lend insight into the factor(s) responsible for terrace formation. This research lays the foundation for analyzing similar structures in geologically older rocks and for recognizing how microbial organisms can and likely have influenced terrace formation. The work also suggests that aerial processes can alter such samples and biosignatures within them. It is recommended that additional non-destructive and spatially correlated analytical methods be considered in the search for chemofossils in the sinter surrounding filaments past and present.

The main purpose of this study is to determine the problems of thermal tourism as a kind of alternative tourism in Turkey investigating within the context of legislative-organizational aspects and planning dimensions. The study is also submitting some suggestions about solutions. After the announcement of the conceptual framework related with thermal tourism, the research provides general information about the countries important for thermal tourism sector in the global world. The study examines the planning process and the organizational structure related to thermal tourism sector showing two different tendencies in Heviz in Hungary and Peninsula Hot Springs in Australia in order to investigate different aspects of the development of thermal tourism in detail. Then / the thesis handles the development of thermal tourism in Turkey and it also describes the reasons of the underdevelopment of thermal tourism in respect of legislative-organizational aspects and planning dimensions in Turkey. Finally, in the last chapter / assessments carried out by examining the current situation in Nevsehir Kozakli Thermal Tourism Center and suggestions for solving the problems in practice are offered. In conclusion, this study offers some suggestions about the improvement of thermal tourism in Turkey in legislative-organizational and spatial aspects.

Thesis (D. Ed. Min.)--Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, 2003. / Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 121-128).

Tourism development in remote areas of South Africa is often being proposed as the solution to poor rural communities' development needs. However, experience indicates that tourism development can result in a negative impact on a community's culture and way of life. The issue of sustainable development and what it means sets a base in which the research looked at tourism in rural areas. The case study on the impact ofthe redevelopment ofLilani Hot Springs as a tourist resort focusses on both the people and environment. The historical context ofthe hot springs, their discovery, development and the demise ofthe old resort is investigated. This was undertaken so that lessons learnt from the past can be taken into consideration with the future development of the resort. This study has included investigating the viability and sustainability of such a tourist resort in the Umvoti Magisterial District and in a rural environment. By focussing on the Lilani community, this research project explores the key factors which have been identified as essential if long-term sustainable tourism is to be achieved in remote rural communities. An appropriate planning approach which stresses local participation and decision-making within the context of a holistic strategy for community development is subsequently proposed. Tourism has the potential ofprotecting the environment while providing social and economic benefits to the local communities. Clearly ifthe socio-economic needs ofthe local community in which a tourism development is set are not addressed, it will not succeed but ifthe natural environment, which is the very asset on which the tourism development is dependent upon, is not protected the resource which is the source of attracting tourists will be destroyed. / Thesis (M.Sc.) - University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2000.

The Shu Shu thermal springs are located in central KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa at an altitude of 250m above mean sea level at the bottom of the Tugela Valley. They have been investigated in an attempt to ascertain whether or not they possibly share a common origin with fifteen other springs which are located in a north-northwestern trending, 1000km long zone within the eastern interior of the country. They have also been studied to establish if they potentially represent a viable and sustainable geothermal energy resource that may be developed in the future. Isotope ratios confirm that the thermal springs are meteoric in origin, and are likely recharged within a 130km long band located to the west toward the Great South African Escarpment. These waters then descend vertically to a depth of approximately 1827m – 2153m, at which point the fractures along which they move close due to escarpment-associated confining pressure. It is a reduction in this self-same confining pressure along the coastal plain, which occurs due to the continual removal of overburden, which forces the thermal water to migrate toward the east along ever-more opening fractures. Due to a slightly elevated geothermal gradient of 3.1°C / 100m at depth, this groundwater reaches a temperature of approximately 75°C – 85°C as it traverses toward the Shu Shu thermal springs over a time period of > 61 years (at present). The geochemical signature of the Shu Shu thermal waters is derived through leaching from the basement rocks through which they pass, with elevated concentrations of Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Al, Si, F, Sr and SO₄ detected. Once below the floor of the Tugela Valley, at a depth of approximately 990m, the thermal groundwater commences its ascent, likely along the west-southwest – east-northeast orientated thrusts and associated fractures of the Tugela Terrane of the Natal Metamorphic Province. However, the thermal waters abut against those brittle structures trending north-northwest – south-southeast, which are perpendicular to the axis of least principle compressive stress, and so are ultimately forced to rise within the Shu Shu thermal springs. Prior to surfacing, the temperatures of these waters drop to approximately 67°C as a result of natural, conductive cooling processes. However intermixing with shallow, cold groundwater, which is discernible through geochemical and isotopic variations, and atmospheric impacts, further cool the thermal waters to a surfacing temperature of approximately 50°C. Nevertheless, a binary cycle geothermal energy power plant remains a possibility. Although thermal efficiency and volume flow rate values are favourable, heat transfer values are low and require further investigation through exploratory drilling. Nevertheless, the establishment of a 400kW power plant, should it occur, will typically be sufficient to service 625 rural homes. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2013.

Tez (Yüksek Lisans) - Süleyman Demirel Üniversitesi, Sağlık Bilimleri Enstitüsü, Halk Sağlığı Anabilim Dalı, 2006. / Bibliyografya var.

Thesis (D. Ed. Min.)--Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, 2003. / Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 121-128).

Thesis (MA)--Stellenbosch University, 2013. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study explores the role of thermal mineral springs in South Africa in the development of the early tourism sector. Their healing qualities enhanced the country’s reputation as a health resort, and therefore they became a national asset and tourist attraction. The ancient history of thermal mineral springs and the belief in their curative abilities are discussed in order to familiarise one with the rich history of thermal springs and to help determine their role in the tourism sector. By looking at the role of thermal mineral springs in the European and especially British contexts provides a foundation for understanding how the thermal water culture was passed on to South Africa through colonialism. With the colonisation of South Africa, thermal mineral springs became host to British invalids who visited the country since they suffered from consumption, and was hoping to be cured by the country’s health giving natural assets. The influx of invalids and tourists ultimately spawned wide tourism and the modernisation of the springs. The three thermal mineral spring resorts near present day Caledon, Montagu and Citrusdal are used as case studies of how thermal springs in the Cape Colony and later the Western Cape developed from primitive sites to splendid resorts and world famous sanatoriums. Their history is traced from their formation to their modernisation, a time period ranging from the 1700s to 2011. This clearly illustrates the phases of development of each of the thermal mineral water establishments. The curative aspects of the thermal mineral spring water are emphasised, concentrating on how the South African thermal water cure culture was used and developed. This study concludes with discussing how the three thermal mineral spring resorts had to navigate the changing tourism sector in South Africa, as well as looking at their development from the 1980s to 2011. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie studie verken die rol wat warmwaterbronne in die ontwikkeling van die vroëe toerisme sektor in Suid-Afrika gespeel het. Die genesende kragte van hierdie warm water bronne het die land se reputasie as ‘n gesondheidsoord versterk en van hul ‘n nasionale bate asook ‘n toeriste aantreklikheid gemaak. Die antieke geskiedenis van warmwaterbronne en die geloof in hul genesende kragte word bespreek om bekend te raak met hul ryk geskiedenis en om hul rol in die toerisme sektor te bepaal. Deur te kyk na die rol wat warm water bronne in die Europeuse sowel as die Britse konteks gehad het, dien as ‘n platform om te verstaan hoe die gebruik van die warm water kultuur na Suid-Afrika deur middel van kolonialisme oorgedra is. Met die kolonialisasie van Suid-Afrika het die warmwaterbronne gasheer gespeel vir Britse invalides wat aan tuberkulose gelei het en daarom die land besoek het om deur die land se helende natuurlike bates geneesing te word. Die instroming van invalides en toeriste het wyd verspreide toersime tot gevolg gehad asook die vermoderniseering van die warmwaterbronne. Die drie warm waterbronoorde naby die hedendaagse Caledon, Montagu en Citrusdal is gebruik as gevallestudies om die ontwikkeling van warmwaterbronne in die destydse Kaap Kolonie asook die hedendaagse Wes-Kaap, vanaf primatiewe bronne na pragtige oorde en wêreld bekende sanatoriums te illustreer. Die geskiedenis van die warmwaterbron oorde word bespreek in die tydperk van die 1700’s tot 2011 om so hul ontstaan tot hul vermoderniseering te illustreer. As gevolg van hierdie verlengde tydperk kan die verskillende ontwikkelings fases van die warmwaterbron oorde waargeneem word. Daar word ook gefokus op die genesende aspekte van die warmwaterbron water en hoe die Suid-Afrikaanse warmwaterbron kultuur ontwikkel en gebruik is. Die studie sluit af met ‘n bespreking van hoe die driewarm waterwaterbron oorde by die veranderende toerisme sektor in Suid-Afrika moes aanpas en dek ook hul ontwikkeling vanaf die 1980’s tot 2011.

abstract: Harsh environments have conditions that make collecting scientific data difficult with existing commercial-off-the-shelf technology. Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) technology is ideally suited for harsh environment characterization and operation due to the wide range of materials available and an incredible array of different sensing techniques while providing small device size, low power consumption, and robustness. There were two main objectives of the research conducted. The first objective was to design, fabricate, and test novel sensors that measure the amount of exposure to ionizing radiation for a wide range of applications including characterization of harsh environments. Two types of MEMS ionizing radiation dosimeters were developed. The first sensor was a passive radiation-sensitive capacitor-antenna design. The antenna's emitted frequency of peak-intensity changed as exposure time to radiation increased. The second sensor was a film bulk acoustic-wave resonator, whose resonant frequency decreased with increasing ionizing radiation exposure time. The second objective was to develop MEMS sensor systems that could be deployed to gather scientific data and to use that data to address the following research question: do temperature and/or conductivity predict the appearance of photosynthetic organisms in hot springs. To this end, temperature and electrical conductivity sensor arrays were designed and fabricated based on mature MEMS technology. Electronic circuits and the software interface to the electronics were developed for field data collection. The sensor arrays utilized in the hot springs yielded results that support the hypothesis that temperature plays a key role in determining where the photosynthetic organisms occur. Additionally, a cold-film fluidic flow sensor was developed, which is suitable for near-boiling temperature measurement. Future research should focus on (1) developing a MEMS pH sensor array with integrated temperature, conductivity, and flow sensors to provide multi-dimensional data for scientific study and (2) finding solutions to biofouling and self-calibration, which affects sensor performance over long-term deployment. / Dissertation/Thesis / Ph.D. Engineering 2013

abstract: I present for the first time a broad-scale assessment of dissolved organic matter in the continental hot springs of Yellowstone National Park. The concentration of dissolved organic carbon in hot springs is highly variable, but demonstrates distinct trends with the geochemical composition of springs. The dissolved organic carbon concentrations are lowest in the hottest, most deeply sourced hot springs. Mixing of hydrothermal fluids with surface waters or reaction with buried sedimentary organic matter is typically indicated by increased dissolved organic carbon concentrations. I assessed the bulk composition of organic matter through fluorescence analysis that demonstrated different fluorescent components associated with terrestrial organic matter, microbial organic matter, and several novel fluorescent signatures unique to hot springs. One novel fluorescence signature is observed exclusively in acidic hot springs, and it is likely an end product of thermally-altered sedimentary organic matter. This acid-spring component precipitates out of solution under neutral or alkaline conditions and characterization of the precipitate revealed evidence for a highly condensed aromatic structure. This acid-spring component serves as a reliable tracer of acidic, hot water that has cycled through the subsurface. Overall, dissolved organic carbon concentrations and fluorescent features correlate with the inorganic indicators traditionally used to infer spring fluid mixing in the subsurface. Further, the fluorescence information reveals subtle differences in mixing between fluid phases that are not distinguishable through classic inorganic indicator species. My work assessing dissolved organic carbon in the Yellowstone National Park hot springs reveals that the organic matter in hydrothermal systems is different from that found in surface waters, and that the concentration and composition of hot spring dissolved organic matter reflects the subsurface geochemical and hydrological environment. / Dissertation/Thesis / Doctoral Dissertation Chemistry 2020