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A geyser is a kind of spring that produces a turbulent, intermittent discharge of water accompanied by steam. Unique hydrogeological circumstances form geysers found only in a few areas on Earth, making them a relatively unusual phenomena. The geyser effect is caused by magma, and most geyser field locations are found in active volcanic regions. Surface water usually descends to a depth of about 2,000 meters (6,600 feet), when it comes into touch with heated rocks. The pressured water boils, resulting in a geyser effect of hot water and steam pouring out the geyser’s surface vent (a hydrothermal explosion).

Due to continuous mineral deposition inside the geyser plumbing, interchange of functions with neighboring hot springs, seismic impacts, and human involvement, a geyser’s eruptive activity may vary or halt. Geysers, like many other natural phenomena, are not unique to our planet.

On many of the outer solar system’s moons, jet-like eruptions known as cryogeysers have been detected. These eruptions consist of vapor without liquid due to the low ambient pressures; they are rendered more apparent by dust and ice particles transported aloft by the gas. Water vapor jets have been detected near the south pole of Saturn’s moon Enceladus, while nitrogen eruptions have been observed on Neptune’s moon Triton. Carbon dioxide explosions from Mars’ southern polar ice cap have also been seen. Instead of being fueled by geothermal energy, the eruptions in the latter two examples appear to be fueled by solar heating via a solid-state greenhouse effect.

The name ‘geyser’ was coined in the late 18th century and is derived from Geysir, an Icelandic geyser. “One who gushes” is the meaning of its name.

Geysers are ephemeral geological formations. Geysers are usually found near volcanic regions. The pressure builds up inside the geyser when water boils, forcing a superheated column of steam and water to the surface through the internal piping. Geysers are formed when three geologic conditions, all of which are common in volcanic terrain: high heat, water, and a plumbing system, come together.

Magma that must be near to the earth’s surface provides the heat required for geyser production. A plumbing system comprised of cracks, fissures, porous gaps, and occasionally cavities is necessary for the heated water to create a geyser. A reservoir is included to store the water while it is heated. Geysers are usually found near fault lines.

Surface water eventually seeps down into the earth until it encounters magma-heated rock, which causes geyser activity, as with all hot spring activity. The geothermally heated water in non-eruptive hot springs rises to the surface by convection through porous and fractured rocks, whereas the water in geysers is explosively pushed upwards by the tremendous pressure generated when water boils below.

The subterranean structure of geysers differs from that of non-eruptive hot springs; many have a tiny vent at the surface connected to one or more thin tubes that lead to underground reservoirs of water and pressure-tight rock.

The water at the top of the column cools as the geyser fills, but convective cooling of the water in the reservoir is difficult due to the narrowness of the channel. Like the lid of a pressure cooker, the cooler water above bears down on the hotter water underneath, allowing the water in the reservoir to become superheated, or remain liquid at temperatures considerably over the standard-pressure boiling point.

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