Features Geothermal
Study explores subsurface plumbing and geothermal discharge

Menlo Park, CA – An experimental study of the role of subsurface plumbing on geothermal discharge has been published by the American Geophysical Union.

In order to better understand the diverse discharge styles and eruption intervals observed at geothermal features, researchers from Hiroshima University, the University of California-Berkeley and the USGS performed three series of laboratory experiments with differing plumbing geometries. A single, straight conduit that connects a hot water bath (flask) to a vent (funnel) can originate geyser-like periodic eruptions, continuous discharge like a boiling spring, and fumarole-like steam discharge, depending on the conduit length and radius. The United States Geological Survey reports. | READ MORE