Geothermal Standing Column & Open Well Engineering Design: Fill & Download for Free

It would be rather impressive, but very hot.Image from the Manga “Made in Abyss”Temperature increases with depth as we move below the surface of the planet. It is calculated that the temperature increases by 25–30 °C for every kilometre we descend (28–34 °F/mi) in the Earth’s crust.The deepest working mine shaft in the world is a gold mine in South Africa, with a depth of 3.9 kilometres (2.4 mi). The surface temperature of the rock at this point is 60 °C (140 °F). So a hole 20 kilometres (12.5 mi) deep, would be very hot indeed.I do not think it would be possible to keep water out, as there would have to be rainfall and more than likely ground water flowing into an excavation of this size. This would produce a geothermal hot spring of epic proportions.This water would be heated to above the boiling point and rise as a massive column of steam. As the hot, moist air rises, cool air would rush in around the edges to replace it. This would appear like a clear zone inside the edges of the bore with a dense opaque rising cloud in the centre. You would not be able to see the other side. The point at which these two different air masses interact would be violently turbulent and a spectacular sight, causing a permanent rainbow.If the surrounding terrain were just the right shape, the cool air could enter the shaft in a clockwise or counter clockwise direction, causing the rising steam column to look like an apocalyptic tornado or never ending mini cyclone. Truly a sight to behold.This rather substantial geological feature would no doubt have an effect on the local weather patterns.I would suggest that standing near the edge of the hole would be tricky, as the constant inrush of air would be dangerous in itself. 20 kilometres is along way to freefall and contemplate one’s fate.

1. The MaldivesIf one image could sum up the perfect beach holiday location, it would be a snap of the Maldives. A little archipelago of 1,190 coral islands speckling an azure blue sea, with white beaches, turquoise lagoons, coral gardens and hammocks tied to palm trees. It's a vision of loveliness.2. Rapa Nui, ChileEnigmatic maoi, iconic statues carved from compressed volcanic ash, scatter the remote island of Rapa Nui, better known as Easter Island. The monumental stone heads were carved, moved and erected around AD1000, but the circumstances of their creators remain shrouded in mystery. Far off the coast of mainland Chile, the Polynesian island is not the cheapest destination, especially considering that you can see all its sights within a few days. However, this World Heritage site more than justifies the expense3. Great Wall, ChinaThe old line about being seen from space may sound tired, and it's actually debatable, but it is an incredible feat that many of the series of long fortresses that were built from 6BC - construction continued well into the 16th century - are still standing. The 6,700km (4,163 mile) wall was built and maintained to protect the North of China from attack.4. Masai Mara, KenyaStep onto the set of Out of Africa, the sprawling Marsai Mara game reserve of Kenya and Tanzania, and you'll never forget the experience. If by some miracle, glimpsing the 'big five' - lions, leopards, elephants, rhino and buffalo - in their natural habitat leaves you cold, don't fret. They're just the beginning. The spectacle of the year is the millions-strong annual wildebeest migration thundering across the rolling grasslands.5. Luxor, EgyptBe dwarfed by the towering pillars of ancient Egypt in Luxor's iconic Karnak temple: a jaw-dropping maze of obelisks, columns, sanctuaries and exhaustive hieroglyphics dedicated to Egyptian gods and pharaohs. Then take a desert trip past lonely statues and Cliffside tombs to the Valley of the Kings, where you can delve into the richly decorated ancient tombs of Tutankhamun, and his divine brethren. The pyramids may be Egypt's most famous landmark, but Luxor will leave you equally breathless.6. Chichen Itza, MexicoTogether forming one of the most iconic images of ancient Latin America, the huge ruins of Chichen Itza were built by the Maya civilisation but the exact era is cloudy. Experts believe a large Mayan settlement in the area erected many buildings between 700-900AD, but others suggest invading Toltecs built the main structures, or possibly influenced local builders. The soaring pyramid of Kukulkan is one of the Seven Wonders of the World.7. The Blue Lagoon, IcelandTucked away amid the black lava landscape just south of Reykjavik is Iceland's most extraordinary geothermal pool, the Blue Lagoon. An ethereal milky-blue lake, it is fed by naturally heated and mineral-rich seawater. Just the sight of its steaming blue expanse is enough to justify its ranking in our list, but for the full experience, you'll need to jump in and smother yourself in the white silica mud. There are also spa facilities on hand, from waterfall-powered hydraulic massage to steam rooms.8. Torres del Paine, ChileA top contender for the title of South America's most stunning national park resides in the far south of Chile, above the Patagonian steppe. The Torres del Paine (Towers of Paine) that give their name to the park are themselves soaring pillars of granite, the most famous of which are named the Los Cuernos (The Horns). The park encompasses sky-blue glaciers, lush forest, beautiful lakes and fascinating wildlife: from ostrich-like rhea to condors and the llama's wild cousin, the guanaco.9. Zermatt, SwitzerlandOne of the most famous - and most striking - mountain peaks in the world, the Matterhorn towers over the village of Zermatt, on the border between Switzerland and Italy. The summit's distinctive four faces mirror points of the compass, and make for a serious challenge for climbers.10. Galapagos Islands, EcuadorThe Galapagos Islands are the place to get into a groaning contest with the sun-bathing sea lions; to mind you don't trip over the multi-coloured iguana; to swim with the harmless sharks; and trade wise nods and leisurely blinks with the same giant tortoises that have been alive since the days of Charles Darwin. In short, they are the ultimate destination for wildlife and natural history enthusiasts - a crucible of evolution that is all but unique in the modern world.References[1] http://travel.ca.msn.com/international/photogallery.aspx?cp-documentid=23467321&page=2

1. Spotted Lake, British Columbia, CanadaSpotted Lake has long been revered by the native Okanagan (Syilx) people and it’s easy to see why they think of it as sacred. In the summer the water of the lake evaporates and small mineral pools are left behind, each one different in colour to the next. The unique lake can be viewed on Highway 3, northwest of the small town of Osoyoos, although visitors are asked not to trespass on tribal land.2. The Giant’s Causeway, Northern IrelandSixty million years ago a huge volcanic eruption spewed out a mass of molten basalt, which then solidified and contracted as it cooled, creating the cracks that can be seen today. There are an estimated 37,000 polygon columns at this World Heritage Site, so geometrically perfect that local legend has it they were created by a giant.3. Thor’s Well, Oregon, USAIn rough conditions at Thor’s Well, also known as Spouting Horn, the surf rushes into the gaping sinkhole and then shoots upwards with great force. It can be viewed by taking the Captain Cook Trail from the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area visitor centre – but for your own safety stay well back, especially at high tide or during winter storms.4. Pamukkale, TurkeyA remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site in southwest Turkey, a visit to Pamukkale (Cotton Palace) also takes in the ancient ruins of Hierapolis, the once great city that was built around it. Water cascades from natural springs and down the white travertine terraces and forms stunning thermal pools perfect for a quick dip.5. Lake Hillier, Western AustraliaThis remarkable lake was discovered in 1802 on the largest of the islands in Western Australia’s Recherche Archipelago. The lake keeps its deep pink colour year-round, which some scientists say is down to high salinity combined with the presence of a salt-loving algae species known as Dunaliella salina and pink bacteria known as halobacteria.6. Badab-e-Surt, IranThese beautiful travertine terraces in northern Iran are an incredible natural phenomenon that developed over thousands of years. Travertine is a type of limestone formed from the calcium deposit in flowing water, and in this case it’s two hot springs with different mineral properties. The unusual reddish colour of the terraces is down to the high content of iron oxide in one of the springs.7. The Tianzi mountains, ChinaFound in the northwest of Hunan Province in China, these staggering limestone pinnacles are covered in lush greenery and often shrouded in mist. A cable car goes as far as Huangshi village and from here there are plenty of trails to take in the breathtaking views of Tianzi (‘son of heaven’); unsurprisingly the inspiration for the floating mountains in the blockbuster movie Avatar.8. The Nasca Lines, PeruThe animal figures and geometric shapes etched by the ancient Nasca into Peru’s barren Pampa de San José are one of South America’s great mysteries. Visible only from the air or from a metal viewing tower beside the highway, some of the unexplained shapes are up to 200m in length and each one is executed in a single continuous line.9. The Bermuda Triangle, North Atlantic OceanLong shrouded in myth and mystery, the infamous 500,000 square miles also dubbed the Devil’s Triangle is roughly the area between Bermuda, Florida and Puerto Rico. Although the US Coastguard disputes any such area exists, conspiracy theories thrive on stories about unusual magnetic readings and ships, planes and people who have disappeared here without a trace.10. Socotra Island, YemenSeparated from mainland Africa more than six million years ago, this remote island looks like the set of a sci-fi film. Socotra’s incredible and unique biodiversity means that there are plants and trees here not found anywhere else in the world – particularly bizarre are the ancient and twisted dragon’s blood tree and the bulbous bottle tree.11. The Hand in the Desert, ChileChilean sculptor Mario Irarrázabal is responsible for this very weird work of art rising out of the sand in the middle of Chile’s Atacama desert, 46 miles south of the city of Antofagasta. Irarrázabal is known for his works associated with human suffering and this huge unnerving sculpture captures a feeling of loneliness, exacerbated by its desolate and secluded location.12. Chocolate Hills of Bohol Island, the PhilippinesBohol’s 1700-odd conical hills dot the middle of the island; they range in height but are so regular in shape that they could be mistaken for being man-made. However, according to UNESCO they are the uplift of coral deposits and a result of rainwater erosion. The hills only earn their ‘chocolate’ nickname in the dry season when the foliage goes from lush green to brown.13. Red Beach, Panjin, ChinaVery cool and very weird, this beach is covered in a type of seaweed called Sueda, which turns bright red in autumn. Thirty kilometres southwest of Panjin, these tidal wetlands are an important nature reserve for migrating birds. Only a small section of the beach is open to the public, but it can be explored via a wooden walkway that stretches out to sea.14. Plain of Jars, LaosShrouded in myth, megalithic stone jars are scattered across Xieng Khouang Province in groups from one to one hundred. A working theory is that the huge cylindrical jars were used in ancient funeral ceremonies, though local legend has it that the jars were used to brew rice wine for giants. In the 1960s Northern Laos was subject to a massive aerial bombardment by the USA and it’s only been relatively recently that some areas have been cleared and declared safe for visitors.15. Goblin Valley State Park, Utah, USANo, this is not Mars but an uninhabited valley 216 miles southeast of Salt Lake City in Utah. Soft sandstone has, for many years, been eroded by wind and water to form strange pinnacles or hoodoos that some think resemble goblins. The eerie landscape is only about a mile across and two miles long and it’s well worth exploring the marked trails to get up close to the bizarre formations.16. Whale Bone Alley, SiberiaA stretch of the northern shore on remote Yttygran Island, 82km off the coast of Alaska, has become a macabre tourist destination. Massive whale jawbones, ribs and vertebrae stand horizontal in the ground forming an eerie alleyway. It’s generally agreed that the site dates back to the fourteenth or fifteenth century, but whether it was a sacred spot for native tribes to meet or simply a gathering place for mass slaughter, no one knows.17. Glass Beach, California, USAThis glittering sea glass beach in California is a remarkable side effect of years of rubbish being dumped on the beach; it wasn’t until the 1960s that this was stopped and by then the sea was full of everything from electrical appliances to bottles and cans. Over time, the waves broke everything down into colourful pebbles and the beach became a major tourist attraction – now ironically under threat because visitors are taking home the glass.18. The Catacombs, Paris, FranceThe deeply creepy catacombs are a network of old quarry tunnels beneath Paris and the final resting place of around six million Parisians. Most are anonymous, skulls and bones taken from the city’s overcrowded graveyards during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries; it wasn’t until the authorities realized its potential as a tourist attraction that the bones were arranged in the macabre displays seen today.19. Fly Geyser, Nevada, USAThis otherworldly geyser is on private land on the edge of Black Rock Desert in Nevada. Created accidentally in 1964 after an energy company drilled down into geothermal waters, today a scalding fountain erupts up to five feet high and the resulting mineral build up means the cone is growing by several inches each year. The brilliant hues of red and green are down to thermophilic algae.20. Cat Island, JapanA short ferry ride from Japan’s east coast, Tashirojima has a population of one hundred humans who are vastly outnumbered by their furry friends. Originally the cats were encouraged as the island produced silk and mice are a natural predator of silkworms. Local fishermen regarded them as good luck and the island even has a cat shrine, along with newly built cat shaped cabins for tourists to stay in. It goes without saying that there are no dogs allowed.Thanks for upvoting!!