How is a geothermal well distinct from other wells?

A geothermal well is specifically designed to access underground reservoirs of hot water or steam that can be used for heating or for electrical power generation. This distinct purpose sets it apart from other types of wells, which may be drilled for various uses such as drinking water, irrigation, or other industrial needs. Geothermal wells specifically exploit geothermal energy, utilizing the heat from the earth, which is harnessed by extracting hot water or steam from these underground reservoirs.

The other options do not accurately describe the nature or purpose of a geothermal well. For instance, irrigation wells are focused primarily on supplying water for agricultural purposes and do not involve the extraction of geothermal energy. Accessing surface water pertains to a different kind of well that draws directly from lakes, rivers, or shallow aquifers, rather than tapping deep underground reservoirs. The complexity and costs associated with drilling might be true for geothermal wells compared to simpler water wells, but the essential defining characteristic remains that they are focused on harnessing heat energy from the earth, which aligns with the correct answer.