Geysers all over the world giving warning signals of a mega volcano
March 19, 2006
Geysers are becoming more intense and the periodic intervals are becoming shorter in many parts of the world. According to geologists and geophysicists, these geysers are telling something awful in coming years – a mega volcano that can really create havoc for the whole world. A Geyser is a hot spring from which water and steam are ejected periodically. Geysers can shoot up to a height of several hundred feet. Following is an explanation of how scientists believe that geysers form.
Geysers occur in areas where there was previous volcanic activity. As a result, the rocks that are located deep underground are still quite hot. When groundwater seeps into the ground it travels down a natural crooked rock tube or pathway that extends deep into the ground. The water is heated because it is in contact with the hot rocks. Now it gets a little more complicated. Because the water is deep in the ground it is under a lot of pressure. When water is under pressure, the boiling point temperature rises and the water becomes superheated. At the bottom of the tube or pathway the pressure is the greatest and the boiling temperature is the highest. When this condition occurs, a slight decrease in pressure or a slight increase in temperature will cause the bottom water to boil. The steam that is produced develops enough pressure to eject a small amount of water to the surface. This reduces the pressure on the water in the tube, which causes it to be quickly converted to steam, and an eruption occurs.
The most famous geysers are found in Iceland, New Zealand; and Yellowstone National Park, USA. Old Faithful, in Yellowstone Park, is the most famous geyser in the United States. Old Faithful erupts every 30 to 90 minutes and rises to heights of 115 to 165 feet (35 to 50 meters). With each eruption it is estimated that about 10,000 to 12,000 gallons of water are discharged.
SOURCE: India Daily