How Are Geysers Made?
Old Faithful, one of the world's most famous geysers, received its name due to its predictive eruptions. However, the formation of a geyser is more interesting than any geyser's eruption pattern.
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Definition
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A geyser is a hole, commonly referred to as a vent, in the surface of the Earth that occasionally emits a vertical column of hot water and/or steam.
Formation Conditions
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Four conditions are required for a geyser to form: Subsurface presence of volcanic temperatures, ample source of groundwater, a reservoir of subterranean water fissures, or tubes, which provide access to the surface through the vent.
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Normal Steam Conditions
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Above ground steam is produced as water evaporates at boiling temperatures (100 F); thereby, consuming much more space than originally occupied. However, as groundwater seeps below the surface it becomes trapped and cannot expand.
Subsurface Water in a Geyser
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Eventually, the subsurface water reaches a volcanic source and the water becomes superheated. The water cannot expand; therefore, producing extremely high-pressure beneath the Earth's surface.
Blowing the Geyser
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Below surface, the superheated water enters a ground fissure. The high-pressure then shoots the water out of a vent; thus, producing a massive column-like eruption of steam and water at the surface.
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