The word "Geyser" comes from the old Norse word "geysa" which means "to gush". It entered the English language to describe the "Great Gesyir" ( now rarely active) in the Haukadalur valley in Southern Iceland. The word Geyser is now a generic term to describe similar geological events the world over.
The Strokkur Geyser is located about 50 meters from its famous namesake but in contrast is one of the most consistent of its kind in the world. It was first reported in 1789 after a small earthquake unlocked vents leading to the surface providing an outlet for the heat and water trapped beneath the surface. Every 5-10 minutes, it shoots water and steam about 30 meters into the air through a sequence of events which I've been lucky enough to capture in the following pictures.
The first steps are the waves of heat surging into the water.
This creates a steam bubble which quickly builds upwards.
Finally the bubble rises above the lip of the crater and erupts.
Very cool ( actually very hot).
Before yo know it, its all over and the process repeats itself.
That's it for today.
More Iceland posts coming as soon as I get the time to load the pictures.
Stay well everyone.
T
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