In Shanxi province, Changzhi city, the Jinxiu Sima residential area is experiencing abnormal geothermal activity, with underground water temperatures reaching 72 degrees Celsius and persisting for over two months without a clear cause.
Recently, residents of the Jinxiu Sima residential area shared videos showing that the underground water extracted near the neighborhood was “boiling” at 72 degrees Celsius. Despite investigations by multiple departments, the geothermal cause has yet to be identified.
Mr. Kang, the individual who released the video, told the media that after heating was suspended this year, several households in the community found that the temperature in the underground spaces reached 40 degrees Celsius, which was considered highly abnormal. Even after the heat and electricity companies conducted inspections, the root cause remained elusive.
According to Mr. Kang, local geological survey teams drilled two wells near the residential area, which were 27 meters deep. Water was pumped out continuously for two days and nights, with the temperature ranging consistently between 60 to 70 degrees Celsius and showing no significant decrease. Due to concerns about potential subsidence of residential buildings foundations from prolonged water extraction, pumping was halted on the third day. Subsequently, property management staff in the community have been daily measuring and recording the underground water temperature in residents’ basements, with the high temperatures persisting for over two months now.
Mr. Kang mentioned that there are no mining areas nearby the residential area and the coal seams are buried deep underground. This unusual geothermal phenomenon was only discovered after the heating was halted this year, indicating it might not be related to energy extraction activities.
In response, the local heating company stated that the community heating was ceased as early as March 31, and there is no water left in the pipeline network. Following on-site inspections, the geothermal activity in the residential area was found to be unrelated to the heating network. To prevent potential safety hazards, the company is currently undergoing pipeline renovations. However, even after excavating the pipelines, no issues have been identified, and the exact cause of the geothermal anomaly remains unknown.
The Shanxi Provincial Geological Survey Bureau mentioned that ongoing investigations are being conducted to determine the specific cause of the geothermal activity.
The news has sparked various speculations online. “Is it a precursor to an earthquake?” “Must be an electrical leakage issue if they can’t figure it out.” “Maybe a volcano is about to erupt, what else could it be?” “The residents are lucky, they have a hot spring.” “It’s a bit creepy feeling.” “We will keep monitoring the situation.”