Geothermal areas are regions where heat from the Earth's interior is accessible at or near the surface. This heat can be harnessed for various uses, including electricity generation and direct heating applications. These areas often feature hot springs, geysers, and fumaroles, which are natural phenomena resulting from the geothermal activity beneath the ground. The heat in geothermal areas is primarily produced by the decay of radioactive materials and the residual heat from the Earth's formation. Countries like Iceland and New Zealand are known for their significant geothermal resources, utilizing them for sustainable energy and heating solutions.