Steam Vents

Steam Vents

Steam Vents
Steam vents are locations on the Earth where fissures in the Earth or rainwater sinks that collect water are heated by rocks that are carrying heat from lava or geothermal activity beneath it. Usually in geothermal exposures such as around active volcanoes (ex: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park) these holes gather water that boils and has steam escaping through the rock crevices. More apparent in regions where the air is chilled. The steam contains sulphur dioxide and hydrogen sulfide. Prolongued exposure can be harmful or fatal.

steam vents are scattered over this fault-bounded block that has partially slumped into Kilauea Caldera. Rainwater sinks through the ground and is heated by rocks which carry heat from the liquid rock below. Hot water then rises through fissures to condense in the chilled air. The grassy landscape nearby suggests that soil temperatures are too high for trees to survive easily. ~ marker at Volcano National Park.

Steam Vents

Steam Vents

Steam Vents