What is a geyser?

Answer 1

A geyser is a natural phenomenon that features a gushing fountain of water and/or steam being emitted from a hole in the ground. Such eruptions often occur on a periodic basis. "Old Faithful," located in Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, USA, is probably the most famous geyser on earth, but it is only one of over 500 active geysers in that park. Yellowstone holds roughly half of the active geysers known in the world.

Essentially, a geyser is formed when three ingredients come together in one place -- subterranean water, usually under pressure, magma, subterranean but close to the surface, and a "Plumbing" structure to convey the steam and hot water to the surface. The water hits the magma, steam-driven pressure is formed, and the "plumbing" system carries the blast to the surface.

Answer 2

A geyser is a natural hot spring that periodically erupts with a column of boiling water and steam due to volcanic activity beneath the surface. The eruptions are caused by underground water being heated to the point of boiling and then rapidly expanding and shooting out through a vent in the Earth's crust. Famous examples include Old Faithful in Yellowstone National Park.

Answer 3

According to Webster's Dictionary, a geyser is a hot spring that intermittently sends up jets of water and steam into the air.