epitermali

Epitermali is a term found in Italian-language scientific writing that corresponds to the English word epithermal. It is used as the plural form of the adjective epitermale in that language and appears in discussions of two main domains: geology and nuclear science. In English, epithermal is used to describe processes or phenomena occurring near the surface in hydrothermal systems or related to a specific neutron energy range.

In geology, epitermali deposits refer to epithermal ore deposits that form in the epithermal zone of hydrothermal systems, typically at shallow depths beneath volcanic or volcanic-derived landscapes. These deposits are often associated with low- to intermediate-temperature fluids and can contain precious metals such as gold and silver, as well as quartz veins, adularia, and sulfide minerals. They are commonly categorized into high-sulfidation and low-sulfidation styles, and they exhibit distinctive alteration halos, such as sericitization, illitization, or advanced argillic alteration. Epitermali deposits are economically significant in several mining districts worldwide.

In nuclear science, epitermali describes neutrons whose energies lie between thermal and fast ranges, roughly from about 0.5 eV to tens of keV. Epithermal neutrons are used in applications such as boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT), neutron spectroscopy, and materials science experiments. Their interactions with matter require specific detector technologies, shielding designs, and dose-delivery considerations to balance effectiveness and safety.

Etymology: from Greek epi- “upon” and thermē “heat.” The English form is epithermal; epitermali reflects Italian usage and appears in bilingual or Italian-language technical texts.