What is a geyser?

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What geyser known inhabitants mostly of school geography.Live as a natural phenomenon ever seen specialists volcanologists, some tourists and residents of seismically active regions.

Terminology

By definition geyser - this is one of the manifestations of late volcanism, which is reflected in the periodic air emissions of water in liquid or vapor state.In simple terms, a kind of source, gushing out of the ground with a certain periodicity.Geysers are mud, water and steam, depending on the temperature and the presence of impurities in the path of their eruption.

Despite the rather banal definition, in fact, this natural phenomenon is considered one of the most spectacular and mysterious planet.This is eloquently popularity of the most famous geyser, the flow of tourists which does not dry out, despite a certain danger.

physics of

order to understand on what basis such a valid source and from under the ground as hot water, should be made to study volcanic activity.After all, the geysers are mostly formed not by themselves, but close to the more formidable and dangerous fellow.This volcano does not have to be valid.The most famous and spectacular geysers are in place damped or sleeping giants.

from the curriculum all know that in the depths of our planet is a red-hot magma.It is also known for its constant attempts to get out, sometimes it turns out, that is accompanied by volcanic eruptions and earthquakes.This process is very destructive, and sometimes ends up changing the landscape.

dormant volcanoes, as well as acting, contains within itself a red-hot magma, but it does not go outside, waiting in the wings, and storing energy.But as you know, the bowels of the earth no less rich in water, which is making the way to the surface, it becomes springs, streams and even rivers.To understand what a geyser eruption, imagine the following.For example, at a certain distance from the dormant magma flows is one of the underground rivers.The water is heated it expands and tries to find a way out.Ultimately, it is obtained in the form of a fountain or a vapor cloud.It all depends on to what exactly occurred temperature heating.It turns out that the volcano itself is sleeping, his power is not enough for the eruption of magma, but it is enough to push or even boil water.

Mud geyser

What is it knows the residents of settlements near the healing (and not only) the thermal springs.Punching your way to the exit, the water passes through the layers of a variety of rocks, dissolving them.In the case where a fountain has direct vicinity of the eruption of the volcano, passing through the layers of solidified magma, it often remains more or less transparent.Meeting at the way a soft and pliable rocks, the water mixes with them, and comes to the surface gurgling mud weight.

Quite often it contains trace elements beneficial to humans, who, thanks to a comfortable temperature, form a thermal spring, ideal for treatment.The resort, built on the site of the geysers, rich in Europe (particularly Bulgaria), North America, Australia and New Zealand.It has a great potential of East Siberia, where the industry is not very developed, but it has all the necessary prerequisites.

Dangerous if a geyser?

Despite its beauty and mystery, this natural phenomenon - a vivid example of unmatched power and energy, lurking in the bowels of the earth.Sometimes geyser is just the warm lake water, occasionally spills on the surface and looking quite peaceful and safe.Sometimes it multimeter fountain, with all the force and suddenness breaks out.And it happens that out of the ground with a whistling sound appears a cloud of steam, giving the impression that the planet 'breathes'.

therefore, to know whether it is safe to be near such a source, it is necessary to understand what a geyser in a particular case.And being in the valley of the extinct volcano on the tour, be sure to listen to the recommendations of the guide.After all, the greatest danger lies in the majority of the geysers of surprise.As a rule, to the powerful and too hot fountains visitors are not allowed near.

most famous geysers planet

They are located mainly in areas of volcanic activity.If we consider the most noteworthy in terms of entertainment and extent, the first thing you should pay attention to the Yellowstone National Park in the United States.It is a huge area, which has about 500 geysers, representing 60% of all the planet's thermal springs.The largest of them is called Steamboat and reaches 120 meters.

Slightly smaller in size, but not inferior to the spectacular Valley of Geysers in Kamchatka is located.There are about 200 different sources.Looking at such a grandeur of nature, you can fully understand what a geyser.The definition can not convey it in words.From the beautiful and at the same time majestic play of water, steam and minerals sometimes breathtaking.

third place on the scale, and the number of sources takes Geyser Park in Iceland.The maximum height of the fountains here reaches 60 meters.This is certainly shocking, but inferior to twice the height of the geysers of Yellowstone Steamboat.

What geyser can be seen by visiting the states of Nevada and Alaska, where they were not too little.They are famous for the North Island of New Zealand and Chile.

most mysterious geyser

This status has deservedly received the American Fly, located in Nevada.Thanks to the rich mineral composition, his entourage received a unique color.Fly is a collection of several fountains, erupting from the minerals formed heights reaching 1.5 meters and continues to grow.

noteworthy that the geyser created by a man (albeit accidentally).In an underground thermal spring drillers stumbled at the beginning of the last century when trying to build a conventional well.Currently Fly closed to tourists, but thanks to its height geyser perfectly visible from the road.

To understand what a geyser, theoretical knowledge is not enough.To present the beauty and power of this natural phenomenon need to go on a journey to see with his own eyes.