Which geothermal feature causes Strokkur geyser to erupt?
| Answer: | Magma chamber |
The geothermal feature that causes the famous Strokkur geyser to erupt is a combination of heat and pressure generated by a subterranean reservoir of hot water. Located in Iceland’s geothermally active Haukadalur valley, Strokkur is one of the country’s most popular tourist attractions due to its awe-inspiring eruptions. At the core of Strokkur’s eruptive mechanism lies a narrow conduit connecting the geyser’s surface with its underground water source. This conduit, known as the geyser’s plumbing system, is crucial for the geyser’s eruptive cycle.
The sequence leading to Strokkur’s eruption usually begins when the geothermal water in the underground reservoir is heated by geothermal heat from the Earth’s mantle. As the water becomes hotter, it eventually reaches its boiling point, transforming into steam. However, the intense pressure from the weight of the overlying water column prevents the water from boiling immediately. Instead, the superheated water is forced upwards through the conduit towards the geyser’s surface.
Once the superheated water reaches a critical point near the surface, the pressure becomes too great for the water to remain in a liquid state, resulting in a sudden explosive release. This sudden release of pressure causes the water to burst out of the geyser’s opening in a spectacular eruption, shooting a column of steam and water high into the air. The height and intensity of Strokkur’s eruptions can vary, reaching up to 40 meters high in some instances.
The repetitive cycle of heating, boiling, pressure build-up, and eruption is what drives the continuous spectacle of Strokkur geyser. Visitors gather around its bubbling pool, eagerly awaiting the next eruption, which occurs roughly every 5 to 10 minutes. The dynamic interplay between heat, pressure, and water within the geothermal system of Strokkur highlights the fascinating natural processes at work beneath the Earth’s surface, making it a must-see attraction for geology enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.