What conditions are needed for a geyser to erupt?
What conditions are needed for a geyser to erupt? A geyser is a hot spring that erupts periodically and forcibly ejects water. Three ingredients are necessary for a geyser to exist: a source of heat, an abundant supply of water, and a special underground plumbing system. Much of the water in Yellowstone's geysers begins as rain or snow.
How do you know when Old Faithful is about to erupt?
Old Faithful “plays” prior to an eruption with splashes of boiling water that may reach as high as 20 feet (6 m). A full eruption usually begins from this play. Once the eruption starts, the splashes grow larger and larger until the eruption reaches its full height.
How do you know if a geyser is about to burst?
Low water pressure, water or moisture stains on infrastructure around the geyser, or strange sounds coming from the system all warrant an inspection. You don't want the tank getting any hotter if it malfunctions because it can burst or explode – and in some cases start a fire.