In this one word substitution question, choose the single English word that correctly names a hot spring in which water intermittently boils and sends a tall column of water and steam shooting into the air.

Introduction / Context:
General knowledge and English vocabulary questions often ask for one word substitutes for longer descriptive phrases. Here the description clearly refers to a natural phenomenon that appears in geography and earth science. Knowing the correct term helps with reading science magazines, travel writing, and examination passages that describe natural landforms and features.

Given Data / Assumptions:
• The description is "a hot spring in which water intermittently boils, pushing a tall column of water and steam into the air". • The options are "geyser", "smite", "brew", and "pitted". • Only one of these words names this type of hot spring.

Concept / Approach:
The term used in geography for a hot spring that periodically erupts with a tall jet of water and steam is "geyser". Famous examples include Old Faithful in Yellowstone National Park. The other options do not describe natural hot springs at all; they belong to different word families and parts of speech. When tackling one word substitution questions, identify the domain first and then recall the technical or commonly used term from that area of knowledge.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recognise that the description mentions a hot spring, boiling water, and an intermittent tall column of water and steam. Step 2: Recall that such natural fountains of hot water are called "geysers" in geographic and tourist literature. Step 3: Match this recollection with the options and note that "geyser" appears exactly as option A. Step 4: Check the meanings of the remaining options to ensure they do not fit the description. Step 5: Conclude that "geyser" is the only accurate one word substitute for the given phrase.

Verification / Alternative check:
A quick check from school level geography informs us that geysers occur in regions with volcanic activity, where underground water is heated by hot rocks and then periodically erupts. Travel articles about Iceland or Yellowstone also use the exact word "geyser" when describing these spectacular natural fountains. Since the question reproduces this standard description, the match between the phrase and the term is clear and reliable.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
"Smite" is a verb that means to strike, hit hard, or affect strongly, especially in older or literary English. It has nothing to do with hot springs. "Brew" means to make a drink such as tea or coffee by soaking it in hot water, or to develop something slowly. This is related to preparation, not to natural springs. "Pitted" is an adjective that means marked with small holes or depressions. Again, this has no connection with intermittent hot water eruptions.

Common Pitfalls:
Candidates unfamiliar with geographical terms sometimes feel unsure and may try to choose a familiar word instead of the correct technical one. Others get distracted by the presence of a verb like "smite" that sounds forceful and dynamic, imagining a connection with the force of boiling water. To avoid such mistakes, it is important to build and regularly revise a small set of key scientific and geographical terms. These words appear repeatedly in both descriptive passages and direct vocabulary questions.

Final Answer:
The correct one word substitute is geyser.