Tulelähteiden

Tulelähteiden is a Finnish word that translates to "fire springs" or "fire sources." It is most commonly used to refer to a specific type of natural phenomenon or a place characterized by the presence of geothermal activity that results in visible flames or heat emanating from the ground. These occurrences are often linked to areas with underground deposits of flammable gases, such as methane, which can be ignited by natural processes or, historically, by humans.

The term Tulelähteiden is not widely recognized in international scientific literature, but it describes a concept found in various locations around the world where similar phenomena exist. Examples include the Baba Gurgur "eternal flame" in Iraq, the Yanar Dag "burning mountain" in Azerbaijan, and various natural gas seeps in regions like the United States. These sites have often held cultural or religious significance throughout history, being viewed as sacred or miraculous.

The geological conditions necessary for Tulelähteiden include the presence of hydrocarbon reservoirs close to the surface and a mechanism for the gas to escape and ignite. This can be through fissures in the rock or porous soil. While some Tulelähteiden are naturally occurring and have burned for centuries, others may be the result of human activity, such as drilling or mining, which can disrupt underground gas flows. The study of such phenomena is part of volcanology and geology, focusing on the origins and behavior of natural gases and their interaction with the Earth's crust.