A promising method of power generation involves collecting and storing solar energy in large artificial lakes a few meters deep, called solar ponds. Solar energy is absorbed by all parts of the pond, and the water temperature rises everywhere. The top part of the pond, however, loses to the atmosphere much of the heat it absorbs, and as a result, its temperature drops. This cool water serves as insulation for the bottom part of the pond and helps trap the energy there. Usually, salt is planted at the bottom of the pond to prevent the rise of this hot water to the top.