How do geysers erupt

The heat travels up the water column, eventually reaching the top. There, the pressure is lower, so the water can boil. As it turns to steam, it releases pressure on the water just below it. Which can now boil, releasing pressure on the water further down, and so on.

This chain reaction produces huge volumes of steam, which erupt out the top of the geyser. In large geysers, steam can carry thousands of gallons of boiling water into the air, in fountains that can last a few seconds to a few hours and reach heights up to ft. Synopsis: With their dramatic displays, geysers have always captured the imagination of humans. A thermal geyser is a rare kind of hot spring that episodically erupts water and steam. Geysers demonstrate the purest and most ancient exemplification of geothermal power.

How Geysers Work howstuffworks. Why Do Geysers Erupt? Hot Spring Environments and Ecosystems Dr. Alan Channing, Cardiff University. Discover the natural wonders of Earth on over radio stations nationwide.

Under Pressure—Geysers. Download PDF zip file. Eruption of the Strokkur geyser in Iceland. Why are there so few? They require very specialized geology.

Written documents describing scientific measurements and models of geyser eruptions date back to the nineteenth century. In addition, much of the knowledge about various aspects of geyser activity comes from visual observations made by park rangers and enthusiasts, such as members of the Geyser Observation and Study Association GOSA.

Through monitoring eruption intervals , analyzing geophysical data, taking measurements and making observations within geyser conduits , performing mathematical computer simulations, and constructing laboratory models , some fundamental questions about geysers have been addressed:. Two centuries of scientific research have significantly improved the understanding of "how geysers work. Hayden in what would later become Yellowstone National Park, one of his conclusions still remains pertinent: "What remains to be done is to start a series of close and detailed observations protracted through a number of consecutive years, with a view to determine, if possible, the laws governing geyseric action".

Skip to main content. Search Search. How do geysers work? Knowledge gained from two centuries of scientific research and observations. Release Date: June 24, Have you ever wondered why geysers are rare and what causes them to erupt? Escaped bubbles from trapped steam heat the water column to the boiling point.

When the pressure from the trapped steam builds enough, it blasts, releasing the pressure. As the entire water column boils out of the ground, more than half the volume is this steam.

The eruption stops when the water cools below the boiling point.