[Geysers] F&M - What's a "Lock"?

[JEFFREY CROSS]

The first definition of "lock" that I heard was in 1990, given to me by Jens Day.

He noted that during most hot periods, High, Gold and Angle seem to quarrel over the water supply.  When water surges from one vent, the play wanes in the other vents.

During a lock, the vents all surge in unison, as if boiling has progressed downward to a point below the place where the tubes join.  This makes sense if the major eruption is preceded by a sudden upwelling of very hot water from deep within the system.

Jeff Cross
jeff.cross at utah.edu


________________________________________
From: geysers-bounces at lists.wallawalla.edu [geysers-bounces at lists.wallawalla.edu] On Behalf Of Bob Mabery [bmabery at gmail.com]
Sent: Thursday, August 18, 2011 2:37 PM
To: geysers at lists.wallawalla.edu
Subject: [Geysers] F&M - What's a "Lock"?

I read with interest the detailed descriptions of the varied cycles of Fan and Mortar.
Is there someplace that I can read a definition of the elements of the cycle, perhaps with photos?
For example what is a "lock?"
BobInGA
          W4YBB
    "Your Buddy Bob"