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Briefly Explain the Eruption Sequence of a Typical Geyser

Geysers are uncommon hydrothermal features found in only a few rare locations on Earth. They are essentially special types of hot springs that periodically erupt spectacularly, due to pressure buildup. The word geyser itself means ̶0;roarer̶1; in Icelandic. In order for a geyser to exist, a multifaceted set of factors must be in place.

Structure and Components
- In order to understand a geyser̵7;s eruption sequence, you need to be familiar with its overall configuration. Geysers are basically conduits extending from the Earth̵7;s surface deep into its crust. They possess constrictions in these conduits, usually close to the surface. Geysers require a water source, such as groundwater or a stream, as well as a heat source, magma, which is produced by volcanic forces and located near the bottom of the geyser conduit. Although timing varies, geysers erupt in a cyclical pattern.
Water Enters and Warms
- The geyser eruption cycle begins immediately following an eruption. At this point, the conduit is largely devoid of water. Slowly, water trickles in from the outside. The magma at the base of the conduit continuously heats the incoming water. The incoming water is relatively cool and dense compared to the warmer water closest to the heat source, which causes a circulation system to form, mixing the warm and cool waters. In this way, all of the water gradually becomes hotter and hotter until it eventually begins to boil.
Water Forced Upward
- Once boiling begins, pressure in the conduit rapidly decreases. Some of the boiling water turns to steam and begins to bubble. It bubbles upward, pushing water overlaying it upward as well, and expands as it rises. Eventually, the bubbles reach the constriction in the conduit, and pressure builds. Finally, the pressure becomes so great that the steam bubbles force the water above to shoot up out of the conduit.
Contents Ejected
- This is the point of eruption. Water jets upward in a fountain-like column, as when a fire hydrant is opened, followed by a release of steam. The geyser expels its contents more rapidly than they can be replenished, resulting in the emptying or near-emptying of its conduit. Heat and pressure in the conduit gradually lessen. The eruption ceases when either the water has been depleted from the conduit or the temperature in the conduit drops below boiling. The cycle then begins anew, as water slowly trickles back into the system.

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