Which of the following best describes how geysers erupt?
A) Expansion from heating forces some warm water out the top of the geyser system; with this reduction in pressure, superheated water in a saturated, natural conduit suddenly boils, sending a plume of steam and hot water into the air above the vent.
B) Water below the water table slowly boils causing a plume of condensed water vapour in a vertical crack or natural conduit to rise above the vent.
C) Water suddenly boils in disconnected voids and cracks above the water table, causing the aquifer to explosively fragment.
D) All of the water in the geyser chamber slowly heats until it reaches the boiling point, whereupon it starts erupting until it boils dry.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Geysers erupt due to a combination of high heat and pressure conditions. When some of the warm water is forced out, it reduces the pressure on the superheated water below, causing it to rapidly boil and propel a mixture of steam and hot water into the air. This process best matches the description in option A.

Which of the Following Best Describes How Geysers Erupt