Index / Natural Phenomena / Geyser
Natural Phenomena
Geyser
Eruptive hot spring
A narrow plumbing constriction lets a deep column of groundwater superheat past boiling point at the surface. When pressure drops enough for flash-to-steam to begin, the whole column erupts — then refills, reheats, and resets. Silica precipitates build the sinter cone around the vent.
Key specifications
Water temp
> 90 °C at depth
Eruption height
1 – 90 m
Known globally
~1,000 (half in Yellowstone)
Old Faithful
~90 min interval
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