Deep Dive into ONSENSUI 99: Unveiling the Secrets of Japan’s Pristine Hot Spring Water

The characteristics of ONSEN Water 99 are 1.7 mg/L of water hardness and a pH of 9.9, indicating its alkaline level for drinkable water, but ultra-soft water. ONSEN Water 99 is a 100% natural drinkable hot spring water with refreshing taste, mild taste, and pleasant tastes.

Alkaline water typically has a pH level higher than 7, indicating it’s more alkaline than neutral. On the other hand, ultra-soft water refers to water with extremely low mineral and ion concentrations, primarily low levels of hardness minerals like sodium, calcium, and magnesium. Usually, alkaline water sources, like groundwater, tend to be rich in minerals, resulting in higher hardness. However, ultra-soft water has very low mineral content, making the combination of alkalinity and ultra-softness quite rare. As a result, ONSEN Water 99 that is both alkaline and ultra-soft is uncommon.

“Our Primitive Water” – Exploring the Best Groundwaters in Tarumizu City, Kagoshima, Japan

In the quest for the finest groundwaters worldwide, Mr. Kusama, the visionary founder of Onsen Water 99, embarked on a lengthy journey. After thorough exploration, he discovered what scientists refer to as “primitive water” in Tarumizu City, Kagoshima, Japan.

Primitive water, also known as “fossil water” or “deep-seated water,” is a unique underground water source that has not undergone the typical surface water cycle. Unlike water from rivers or lakes, primitive water originates from deep within the Earth, often from ancient aquifers. These aquifers hold water that has been shielded from surface contamination for an extended period.

By locating this exceptional primitive water source in Tarumizu City, Kagoshima, Mr. Kusama ensured that ONSEN Water 99 would provide water of unparalleled purity. The careful selection of this pristine water source contributes to the unique qualities of ONSEN Water 99, making it a distinguished choice for those seeking high-quality and naturally pure drinking water.

Magma Water Theory

“Magma Water Theory” is one of the theories regarding the origin of hot spring water, proposing that hot springs are generated by underground magma. Here are the key points of this theory:

1. Presence of Magma: Magma, or molten rock, exists in the Earth’s crust and mantle. It is in a high-temperature, liquid state, representing intense heat within the Earth.
2. Infiltration of Groundwater: According to this theory, groundwater permeates into the deep underground rock formations. This usually occurs when the underground rocks have permeable characteristics.
3. Contact with Magma: As groundwater permeates into the rock formations, it comes into contact with the magma deep underground. Magma, being at a high temperature, heats up the infiltrating groundwater.
4. Formation of Hot Springs: Heated groundwater, influenced by factors such as pressure, moves towards the surface. During this process, it may emerge at the surface as hot springs. The water that springs forth is characterized by its elevated temperature due to contact with magma.

This theory suggests that hot springs, especially in volcanic regions or areas with significant geothermal activity, may be closely related to underground magma processes.

Circulation Theory

“Circulation Theory” is one of the theories regarding the origin of hot spring water, emphasizing the role of groundwater circulation. Here are the main points of this theory:

1. Infiltration and Circulation of Groundwater: Groundwater infiltrates from the surface and circulates through underground rock formations. The circulation refers to the movement of groundwater within the Earth.
2. Heating by Geothermal Energy: During the circulation process underground, groundwater is exposed to geothermal energy. This leads to an increase in temperature of the groundwater.
3. Emergence at the Surface: After being heated by geothermal energy, the groundwater may emerge at the surface as hot springs. The appearance of this water at the surface is influenced by the underground circulation process and the heating from geothermal sources.

According to this theory, hot spring water is formed as groundwater circulates within the Earth, gets heated by geothermal energy, and emerges at the surface. The Circulation Theory highlights the impact of groundwater movement on the generation of hot springs.

Subterranean Convergence: The Fusion of Meteoric and Magma Waters

A fault is formed when the Earth’s crust undergoes significant stress, such as pressure from tectonic plates, and in response, it self-destructs to relieve the stress, resulting in a lateral displacement of rock layers. This condition is commonly referred to as “faulting.” Faults are closely associated with crustal movements and the occurrence of earthquakes on the Earth’s surface.

Underground, the mingling of rain water (rain water that percolates into the ground) and magma water occurs through intricate geological processes within the Earth’s crust. As magma ascends from the Earth’s mantle, it can carry dissolved water content, which infiltrates the rock formations and crevices it traverses. Simultaneously, rain water percolates through the geological layers.

The convergence of these waters happens within the subsurface geological structures. The interaction occurs as magma-water and rain water come into contact within the rock formations’ fissures and pores. The precise nature of this mingling depends on the specific geological conditions and properties of the subsurface layers. The mixed water retains distinct chemical compositions and characteristics, potentially leading to various chemical reactions and alterations dictated by the underground geological environment.

Release of Volcanic Gases Associated with Magma

Volcanic gases are emitted from deep within the Earth’s crust due to volcanic activity and are closely related to magma. Magma is molten rock and substances that exist in the crust under high temperature and pressure. When a volcano erupts, the magma reaches the Earth’s surface through vents or fissures, releasing gases such as water vapor, carbon dioxide, and sulfur compounds. The composition and quantity of these gases vary based on the type of eruption and the characteristics of the magma.

According to “Chemical compositions of fumarolic gases and lake water from Yakedake Volcano, Japan*” researched by S. Sawamura at Shinshu University and his team, his team explained about the possibility of the interface between magma water and rain water.

*Programme and abstracts the Volcanological Society of Japan 2017 Fall

Since 2013, the temperatures of volcanic emissions around Mount Yakedake have typically ranged between 90°C and 110°C. However, on the southern slope of the north peak, vents have shown slightly higher temperatures, reaching 110°C to 120°C. These readings are notably lower compared to high-temperature emissions from past eruptions. The chemical composition of the emitted gases has also changed, exhibiting lower ratios of SO2/H2S and reduced CO2 concentrations compared to earlier periods. This suggests that the current volcanic emissions may originate from reactions with subsurface water post-magma interaction. However, some data hints at influences from magma-derived sources. The water quality of Lake Shoga, one of the craters, demonstrates intermediate characteristics between volcanic emissions and atmospheric water, suggesting dilution of volcanic gas-derived components due to increased water volume from snowmelt.

“Magma water” refers to the result of interactions between volcanic magma and subsurface water. It occurs when magma beneath the Earth’s surface comes into contact with groundwater or other sources of subsurface water. This contact results in a variety of processes, including the heating and boiling of water, leading to the generation of steam or hot water. These interactions at the interface between magma and water have implications for volcanic activity and the production of volcanic gases. On the other hand, “rain water” refers to water from precipitation, like rain or snowmelt. It has distinct characteristics from magma water. However, interactions between volcanic activity, subsurface water, and atmospheric water can create interfaces and relationships between rain water and magma water.

The hot spring water in volcanic areas is a combination of rain water, primarily sourced from precipitation, and magma water in varying proportions, forming a circulating water system.

Special Properties of Water near Magma and its Role as the Source of Volcanic Hot Springs

Exploring the Phenomenon of Supercritical Water

Supercritical water is a unique state in which water exists when it surpasses specific temperature and pressure conditions. When ordinary water exceeds certain temperature and pressure levels, known as the critical point, it enters a state where it displays characteristics of both a liquid and a gas simultaneously. In this supercritical state, water exhibits properties that surpass those of a typical liquid, such as high solubility, low viscosity, and distinctive reactivity. It’s often utilized in specific chemical reactions or material transformations due to these unique attributes. It’s believed to exist in environments with high temperatures and pressures, such as volcanic regions or deep within the Earth’s interior.

Supercritical water emerges when ordinary water surpasses specific temperature and pressure conditions. While water typically vaporizes into gas (steam) at high temperatures, it becomes less prone to boiling at high temperatures under increased pressure. When both temperature and pressure exceed certain critical points, water loses its distinct liquid-gas boundary and transitions into a state known as supercritical.

Supercritical water exhibits characteristics of both a liquid and a gas simultaneously, displaying unique properties. It boasts higher solubility and lower viscosity than typical liquids, making it advantageous for dissolving substances and facilitating chemical reactions. Additionally, its remarkable diffusivity allows for efficient and uniform dissolution of substances. This state is hypothesized to exist in specific environments, such as within the Earth’s interior or even in outer space, characterized by high temperatures and pressures.

The critical constants for H2O are typically 374 degrees Celsius and 218 atmospheres of pressure, 22.1 MPa, but in the vicinity of magma chambers, these conditions might slightly be exceeded. The water around magma chambers, regardless of its origin from magma or infiltration, is likely to become supercritical. This water, laden with dissolved rock components, diffuses into the surroundings along with gas components derived from the magma. This supercritical water, believed to exist, has been transporting the heat and components found in volcanic hot springs.

Potential of Supercritical Water and the Characteristics of ONSEN Water 99

Supercritical water has garnered attention due to its unique properties. ONSEN Water 99 harnesses the potential of this supercritical water, offering distinctive characteristics as a natural hot spring water.

ONSEN Water 99 maintains an alkaline pH of 9.9 despite being ultra-soft water with extremely low hardness. Sourced from deep underground, this natural hot spring water is renowned for its exceptional quality as a drinking water.

This water may possess characteristics akin to supercritical water. Water in this state exhibits higher solubility than regular water, effectively dissolving substances. Its unique diffusivity and low viscosity enable uniform dissolution of substances, effectively extracting components assimilating into the water.

ONSEN Water 99 potentially embodies the properties of supercritical water, and coupled with its distinctive traits, it might offer various health-enhancing effects.

If Supercritical water were to be present in Onsen Water 99, it could explain its high permeability, oxidizing ability, ability to mix with oil, and resistance to rust.

Supercritical water possesses an extremely high permeability, efficiently penetrating through rocks and strata, dissolving and diffusing substances effectively. If Onsen Water 99 contained supercritical water, it might more effectively absorb substances, potentially causing chemical changes as it passes through rock formations.

Additionally, supercritical water exhibits high oxidizing power, efficiently decomposing and dissolving oil and organic substances. This characteristic might enhance Onsen Water 99’s ability to mix with oil and other organic substances.

Furthermore, supercritical water has a resistance to rust due to its high oxidizing properties, which can inhibit the oxidation of metals, preventing rust formation.

However, detailed analysis would be necessary to ascertain whether Onsen Water 99 contains supercritical water and the extent to which these properties are influenced by it.