Which of the following best describes how geysers erupt?
A)Water suddenly boils in disconnected voids and cracks above the water table,causing the aquifer to explosively fragment.
B)Water slowly boils in a network of vertical cracks above the water table,sending up a plume of steam and hot water.
C)Water below the water table slowly boils in a vertical crack or natural conduit,causing a plume of condensed water vapor to rise above the vent.
D)With a slight reduction in pressure,water in a saturated,natural conduit suddenly boils,sending a plume of steam and hot water into the air above the vent.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

With a slight reduction in pressure, water in a saturated, natural conduit suddenly boils, sending a plume of steam and hot water into the air above the vent. This is the best description of how geysers erupt, as it explains the mechanism of how the eruption occurs. Option A is incorrect as there are no disconnected voids and explosive fragmentation involved in the eruption. Option B is also incorrect as the boiling is described as slow, whereas geysers usually erupt rapidly. Option C is incorrect as the boiling is described as happening below the water table, whereas geysers are typically associated with surface water.

Which of the Following Best Describes How Geysers Erupt