GEOTHERMAL FEATURES — Name the hot-water eruption Question: The phenomenon in which an opening in Earth’s surface ejects a jet of hot water and steam at irregular intervals is called:

Introduction / Context:
Hydrothermal features arise where groundwater interacts with hot rocks or magma at depth. Distinguishing geysers from related features such as hot springs, fumaroles, and volcanic craters is essential in physical geography and geology.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The key behavior is intermittent eruptions of hot water and steam.
• Intervals are irregular but often show recognizable periodicity.
• Pathways include constricted conduits and reservoirs.

Concept / Approach:
A geyser erupts when superheated water in a confined reservoir flashes to steam as pressure threshold is crossed, pushing water upward in jets. A hot spring simply discharges hot water continuously without explosive eruptions. A fumarole emits steam and gases directly with little liquid water. A crater is a topographic depression often volcanic in origin, and a volcano is a broader edifice that may or may not host geysers.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify signature behavior: periodic jets of hot water and steam.Match to the hydrothermal type: geyser.Eliminate hot spring (non-eruptive), fumarole (gas vent), crater/volcano (landforms, not the phenomenon itself).

Verification / Alternative check:
Well-known examples include Old Faithful (Yellowstone) and Strokkur (Iceland), which display characteristic eruption cycles dictated by conduit geometry and heat flux.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Crater — a depression; does not define an eruptive water jet.Hot spring — steady flow, not explosive jets.Volcano — broad volcanic system; geysers may occur in volcanic terrains but are distinct features.Fumarole — vapor/gas vent lacking significant liquid water eruptions.

Common Pitfalls:
Assuming all geothermal vents erupt water. Only geysers exhibit the intermittent jetting controlled by pressure build-up and sudden steam formation.

Final Answer:
geyser