Groundwater in constricted fractures is heated past its surface boiling temperature by surrounding hot rocks. The superhot liqui
d expands in volume, reducing its confining pressure, and flashing it into steam. Which geologic feature matches this description?
A. a geyser
B. a hot spring
C. a mud pot
D. an artesian spring
Groundwater sometimes may encounter a magma chamber or a great heat source. As the water gets hot, it reaches its boiling point, however, water cannot evaporate because cold water in the surface, creates a pressure that constricts water, and prevent it from boiling.
Water continues to increase its temperature until it gets superheated and blasts in a quick expansion of volume where the water-vapor its expelled from the vent with great violence.