Thermal distillation is a process used to separate components of a liquid mixture based on their different boiling points. In this method, the mixture is heated until it reaches the boiling point of the desired component, which then vaporizes. The vapor is collected and cooled, condensing it back into a liquid form, effectively separating it from the other components. This technique is commonly used in the desalination of seawater to produce fresh water. By applying heat, thermal distillation can efficiently remove salts and impurities, making it a valuable method for providing clean drinking water in areas with limited freshwater resources.