Thermal recovery methods are techniques used to extract oil from underground reservoirs by applying heat. This process reduces the viscosity of heavy oil, making it easier to flow to the surface. Common thermal recovery methods include steam injection and cyclic steam stimulation, which involve injecting steam into the reservoir to heat the oil. These methods are particularly effective in oil sands and heavy oil fields, where traditional extraction techniques may not be efficient. By increasing the temperature of the oil, thermal recovery enhances production rates and helps in maximizing the extraction of valuable resources from challenging geological formations.