What is a geyser plume?
Quick Answer
A geyser plume is the cloud of hot water droplets, steam, and dissolved minerals thrown into the air during a geyser eruption. It can rise high above the vent before falling back as spray.
The Full Story
When a geyser erupts, superheated groundwater flashes into steam and forces hot water upward through the vent. The visible plume is made of steam and fine droplets rather than pure water. As the spray cools, some of it falls back around the geyser, helping build mineral deposits over time. Plumes can be seen at famous geothermal sites such as Yellowstone and Iceland’s hot spring fields. Their size and shape vary depending on water pressure, heat, vent geometry, and weather conditions.
Key Facts
YouTube Angle
Suggested video title for this topic:
"What’s the cloud above a geyser? It’s more than just steam."