Strokkur Geyser, Haukadular, South West Iceland: steam flashing out of the rising, superheated water as the eruption proceeds

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Geysers are rare geothermal phenomena, needing a watertight plumbing system that allows a huge build-up of pressure at depth. As the superheated water rises turbulently up the pipe, the overlying pressure decreases and steam flashes out, forming a spectacular fountain several metres high. Strokkur erupts for a few seconds, every few minutes. A large area of clay, coloured and hardened by minerals precipitated by the superheated waters, surrounds the geyser. Surface rocks are greatly altered into clay in high temperature geothermal areas. Colloidal silica, reflecting a blue-green colour to the eye, colours the water blue.

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Size: 3892px × 5861px
Location: Strokkur Geyser, Haukadular, South West Iceland
Photo credit: © robert harrison / Alamy / Afripics
License: Royalty Free
Model Released: No

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