steam vents

Hot earth exhales

Steam vents are natural openings in the earth's surface where volcanic heat forces steam and gases up from underground water sources.

They occur in geologically active areas like Yellowstone or Iceland, often surrounded by mineral deposits.

Also called fumaroles.

Figuratively, any outlet for releasing pressure or pent-up energy: Social media became a steam vent for public frustration.

Opposites
geothermal feature type

steam ventsgeysers

Erupting thermal water sources

Old Faithful · hot springs

thermal water features

steam ventshot springs

Heated groundwater emerging naturally

thermal pools · geothermal pools

geological temperature extremes

steam ventsice caves

Hollows formed in frozen masses

permafrost · frozen ground · ice fields

Family

steam, vent

Familiarity
Top 500,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G