My Photo Album
New Zealand 2003

Section 2: Lady Knox Geyser
 

 


Lady Knox Geyser
The Lady Knox Geyser at Waiotapu on the Northern Island spouts off once a day. The eruption is initiated by charging a bag of soup into the blowhole.

 

 


The soap reduces the surface tension of the water in a reservoir near the surface, and overheated water and steam can make its way up from deeper slots. 

 

  


This method was discovered by accident by some prisoners, who wanted to use the hot underground water to wash clothes.


 

The eruption of mainly cold water lasts for about one hour, until the reservoir has been emptied.

  

 

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