Geyser model with real-time data collection

Abstract

The physical model of geyser oscillations presents a challenge to experts, even under relatively simple and clear laboratory circumstances. Despite complex dynamics a qualitative analysis can be made based on video recording and real-time temperature and pressure measurements. The simple experiment with Geyser model is rich with several phenomena from the field of thermodynamics that are included in basic and advanced physics course. The measured values can be shown to be in consistence with the basic theoretical considerations. Geyser project can be fun and attractive and can be fruitfully used to stir up student's interest.

Video observations inside conduits of erupting geysers in Kamchatka, Russia, and their geological framework: Implications for the geyser mechanism

“…The experimental setups used to date to test each type of plumbing confi guration reproduced satisfactorily the pulsatory action of natural geysers (Honda and Terada, 1906;Iwasaki, 1962;Steinberg et al, 1982;Saptadji, 1995;Lasic, 2006). However, the bubble trap confi guration had one signifi cant problem; i.e., its geometrical complexity.…”

An experimental study of the role of subsurface plumbing on geothermal discharge

“…We modeled the plumbing system by using a flask (hot water bath) connected to a 0.12 m diameter funnel (vent) through a Teflon tube with an inner radius of either 1 mm or 3 mm (conduit), as shown in Figure . This is a frequently used setup in laboratory studies of geyser eruptions [ Steinberg et al ., ; Lasic and Planinsic , ; Toramaru and Maeda , ; Adelstein et al ., ]. Our conduit radii (1–3 mm) are narrower than those observed at Earth's surface, which are typically m [ Hutchinson et al ., ; Munoz‐Saez et al ., ].…”

The Fascinating and Complex Dynamics of Geyser Eruptions

“…Laboratory studies have been used to show that steady heating and recharge can lead to episodic eruptions (Munby 1902, Forrester & Thune 1942, Steinberg et al 1982, to show how increasing complexity of plumbing geometries results in greater variation in discharge styles and eruption intervals (Namiki et al 2016), to understand the effects of geometry on convection and hence temperature in the conduit (Sherzer 1933), to show how increasing reservoir temperature increases the vigor of eruptions (Toramaru & Maeda 2013), to show how the decrease in reservoir pressure over the course of the eruption leads to recharge and the end of eruption (Lasic 2006), to show how bubble formation and collapse generates weak high-frequency tremors (Anderson et al 1978), and to show how intermittent modulation of the rate of boiling and the closely coupled accelerations and decelerations of the water column generate strong low-frequency tremors (Anderson et al 1978).…”

“…Laboratory studies document how boiling conditions in the reservoir propagate into the conduit as expulsion of water at the surface decompresses the remaining water (Anderson et al 1978, Lasic 2006. They also provide a tool to understand irregularity in eruptions.…”