...on such a precise schedule that it erupts about every 90 minutes? What makes that possible?
2007-05-25 04:31:28 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Earth Sciences & Geology
I think what is happening is very regular and consistent so the geyser erupts very regularly. The water gets heated up in the bottom of a very deep crack. The water starts to boil but because there is lots of colder water on top keeping it down it just begins to build up heat. Eventually, it is too much and the pressure of the boiling water is sufficient to push its way up and all the pressure is released at once. Other geysers are not so regular. Perhaps the crack in Old Facefull (Faithful) is unusually smooth and the underground flow is very even. It is getting warmed by a volcano that is one of the most dangerous in the world.
2007-05-25 04:36:48 · answer #1 · answered by JimZ 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It's not really all that accurate, and it's been slowing down over time, but the somewhat constant schedule it retains is because the mechanisms necessary for a geyser remain somewhat constant.
Geysers need a heat source and groundwater flowing. The groundwater hits the heat source and heats, and becomes less dense. It is held in place by the cooler, more dense water above it until the lower density water reaches pressures that rupture the seal.
So, the flow rate, heat rate, and pressure situation must all remain balanced and constant in order for the geyser to maintain it's schedule.
2007-05-25 04:49:16 · answer #2 · answered by naturalplastics 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Haven't you seen the Metamucil commercial?, a park ranger pours some down the hole every day.
Just kidding!
It is a product of underground water that is superheated by the magma chamber below Yellowstone.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Faithful
2007-05-25 16:49:53 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
old faithful is in Yellowstone because, Yellowstone is a caldera and what is under the is moving magma which heats the water under the ground that is what cases geysers to work.
2007-05-25 07:17:09 · answer #4 · answered by wolf 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The seepage rate of water through the subsurface cracks into the heated region is nearly constant, because the pressure in the aquifer is quite stable.
2007-05-25 05:12:39 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
The pressure buildup in the underground caverns of the volcano.
2007-05-25 04:35:08 · answer #6 · answered by whymewhynow 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋