Geysers are a type of hot spring characterized by intermittent, explosive eruptions of water and steam. They occur when groundwater is heated by geothermal activity, creating intense pressure that forces the water to erupt periodically through a narrow vent. This process involves a complex interplay between heat, water, and pressure, with eruptions often reaching heights of several meters. The heat source for geysers is typically magma chambers located relatively close to the Earth’s surface, which heat the surrounding rock and water.

Hot springs, on the other hand, are pools of water that are heated by geothermal energy and rise to the surface without violent eruptions. They are generally more stable and continuous in their flow compared to geysers. The temperature of hot springs can vary widely, from slightly warmer than the ambient air to boiling temperatures, depending on the geothermal gradient and depth of the heat source. Unlike geysers, hot springs allow water to circulate freely through underground fissures, which prevents the buildup of pressure that characterizes geyser eruptions.

Key Differences:

1. Mechanism: Geysers erupt intermittently due to pressure buildup, while hot springs flow continuously.
2. Pressure: Geysers experience significant pressure accumulation and release, whereas hot springs have a more constant, low-pressure flow.
3. Eruption: Geysers expel water and steam in powerful bursts, while hot springs gently release heated water.
4. Structure: Geysers have a narrow, often constricted, plumbing system that contributes to the buildup of pressure, whereas hot springs have a more open system allowing for constant flow.

Understanding these distinctions highlights the unique geological and hydrological processes that differentiate geysers from hot springs.