Columns of boiling water that rise towards the sky, clouds of steam that dance in the freezing air, the deaf roar that precedes the eruption: the geyser represent one of the most fascinating and powerful natural shows of our planet. These geothermal, rare and precious phenomena constantly remind us of the immense energy that pulsates under our feet.
From a geological point of view, the geyser only form in very specific conditions: an underground heat source are needed, a system of fractures in the rocks that allows the circulation of water and a particular configuration of the soil that creates the pressure necessary for eruptions. That’s why in the world there are only a few areas where we can admire these incredible natural phenomena.
Yellowstone: the kingdom of water giants
Yellowstone National Park in the United States houses over half of all known geyser in the world, making it the most important destination for geothermal enthusiasts. Here we find the famous Old Faithful, which errone with impressive regularity every 90 minutes, launching water columns up to 50 meters high. But it is Steamboat Geyser who holds the world record: its eruptions can reach 115 meters in height, even if they are much more unpredictable.
Yellowstone’s ecosystem is unique: the thermal waters create micro -environments where extreme organisms, bacteria and algae that tinge the pools of incredible colors, from cobalt blue to rust red blue, creating an almost alien landscape.
Iceland: the island of fire and ice
Iceland is synonymous with geothermal activity. Located on the medium-Atlantic ridge, the island is literally crossed by a fracture in the earth’s crust, which feeds an intense volcanic and geothermal activity. The Haukadalur valley hosts Geysir, the geyser who gave the name to all the others in the world, and Strokkur, more active and predictable, which erupts every 5-10 minutes reaching heights of 15-20 meters.
What makes Iceland special is the integration of geothermal energy in daily life: about 90% of Icelandic houses are heated thanks to the natural warmth of the earth, a virtuous example of energy sustainability that should inspire the whole world.
El Tatio: Geyser among the Andes
In the Atacama desert, in Chile, at over 4,000 meters above sea level, El Tatio, the highest geothermal field in the world is located. The extreme conditions of this environment -temperatures ranging from -10 ° C night to 20 ° C daytime -create a unique show, especially at dawn, when the thermal contrast makes the steam particularly visible.
El Tatio hosts over 80 geyser, and even if the eruptions do not reach Yellowstone’s heights, the combination of the Andean environment, the colors of dawn and the steam columns that stand out against the snowy mountains creates a truly breathtaking atmosphere.
Rotorua: New Zealand’s geothermal heart
In New Zealand’s North Island, Rotorua is known for its intense geothermal activity. The Pohutu Geyser, located in the village of Whakarewarewa, is the largest geyser of the southern hemisphere, with eruptions that can reach 30 meters in height and repeat up to 20 times a day.
Maori culture is deeply linked to these geothermal phenomena: for the indigenous people of New Zealand, the hot springs and Sacred Geysers, places of spiritual power where the earth manifests its vital energy.
Valle dei Geyser: the secret of Kamchatka
In the remote peninsula of Kamchatka, Russia, one of the most spectacular and less known geothermal treasures in the world is hidden: the Geyser valley. This geothermal field extends for about 6 kilometers and houses about 90 geyser, as well as numerous thermal springs.
The isolation of this valley – accessible only by helicopter – has preserved a unique ecosystem, where Siberian Bruni bears share the space with rare species of plants that thrive thanks to the geothermal heat even during the rigid arctic winters.
A heritage to be protected
Geyser are extremely delicate phenomena: small changes are enough in the underground hydrogeological balance to make them cease forever. Seismic activity, excessive exploitation of groundwater and even unregulated tourism can compromise these unique ecosystems.
For this reason, visiting the Geyser also involves a responsibility: that of respecting these fragile environments, always following the reported paths and the indications of the local guides. Only in this way can we guarantee that future generations can continue to admire these extraordinary nature shows.
The geyser remind us that the earth is a living planet, in continuous transformation, where the energy that flows in the depths finds a way to manifest itself on the surface through these incredible phenomena.
