Geyser

Lore & Background

Geysers are nonpermanent geological features generally associated with areas of recent magmatism. The pressurized water boils, and this causes the geyser effect of hot water and steam spraying out of the geyser's surface vent. The formation of geysers specifically requires the combination of three geologic conditions: heat, water, and a subsurface hydraulic system with the right geometry. Geysers have constrictions in their plumbing that create pressure build-up, differentiating them from non-eruptive hot springs. Geysers are fragile and may change or cease due to ongoing deposition of minerals within their plumbing, exchange of functions with nearby hot springs, earthquake influences, and human intervention. Many have been destroyed by people throwing debris into them, while others have ceased to erupt due to dewatering by geothermal power plants. The Geysir in Iceland has had periods of activity and dormancy; during its long dormant periods, eruptions were sometimes artificially induced by the addition of surfactant soaps. Geysers are not unique to Earth. Jet-like eruptions, often called cryogeysers, have been observed on several moons of the outer Solar System. Water vapour jets have been observed near the south pole of Saturn's moon Enceladus, while nitrogen eruptions have been observed on Neptune's moon Triton. There are also signs of carbon dioxide eruptions from the southern polar ice cap of Mars. In all three cases, there is no evidence of the subsurface hydrological system which differentiates terrestrial geysers from other sorts of venting.

Reader's Guide

Geysers are significant as rare natural phenomena that demonstrate the interaction of water, heat, and geological structure. They are primarily found in volcanic areas, with Yellowstone National Park containing half of the world's total number of geysers. The study of geysers has contributed to understanding hydrothermal systems and the conditions necessary for life in extreme environments. These organisms have heat-stable enzymes used in medicine and biotechnology, such as in manufacturing antibiotics, plastics, detergents, and fermentation products. The first discovered and most important for biotechnology is Thermus aquaticus. Geysers also provide insights into planetary geology, as similar venting phenomena occur on other celestial bodies, though without the subsurface hydrological system that defines terrestrial geysers. The fragility of geysers highlights the impact of human activity and environmental changes on geological features.

Did You Know?

• The term 'geyser' comes from Geysir, a specific geyser in Iceland, meaning 'Gusher' in Icelandic.
• Geysers have been observed on moons of the outer Solar System, including Enceladus and Triton.
• Some bacteria in geysers prefer temperatures higher than the boiling point of water.
• The tallest predictable geyser on Earth is Grand Geyser at Yellowstone National Park.