[Geysers] Heat Traps

[Ron Keam]

This specific effect has been reported in New Zealand as well.  I 
remember having read that an eruption of Parekohoru at Whakarewarewa 
was precipitated by too many food baskets having been introduced when 
a Xmas dinner was being cooked in it by the Maori people (about 
1900-1905).  Normally Parekohoru is a crypto-geyser, but on that 
occasion it became a real one.

Ron Keam

>It has been documented in Yellowstone that certain hot springs will erupt when
>a large animal falls into them and gets cooked.  Scalloped Spring is the best
>example of this, but I have heard that it happened at Solitary Geyser (in that
>case increasing the power of the eruptions above normal) and at other springs.
>
>Perhaps the fat from the boiled animal forms a layer on top of the water and
>holds the heat in, allowing eruptions to occur.
>
>Jeff Cross
>jacross at lamar.colostate.edu
>
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Ron Keam
The Physics Department
The University of Auckland
Private Bag 92-019
Auckland
New Zealand
Phone +64 9 373-7599 extension 87931
FAX +64 9 373-7445
EMail r.keam at auckland.ac.nz
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