geothermal system

geothermal system

[¦jē·ō¦thər·məl ′sis·təm] (geology) Any regionally localized geological setting where naturally occurring portions of the earth's internal heat flow are transported close enough to the earth's surface by circulating steam or hot water to be readily harnessed for use; examples are the Geysers Region of northern California and the hot brine fields in the Imperial Valley of southern California.