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Map Satellite At the upper end of the Napa Valley there is a geo-thermal field with several hot springs and at least one regularly erupting geyser. These phenomena are remnants of the volcanic activity of the late Pliocene which occurred in the surrounding area. (See Petrified Forest and The Geysers)
The geyser erupts regularly, currently on an average interval of 51 minutes, though earlier a 40-minute average interval was reported. It has been erupting regularly for at least 70 years and there are no records to show that it was a drilled well. It has been plumbed to 70 meters (230 feet) where there is an obstruction. The geyser now discharges from a 30-centimeter (12-inch) pipe to a height of 20 meters (65 feet) for a 2 to 3 minute period.
Two rare plants, found in alkaline meadows by hot springs in Napa Valley, have been recorded in the area, Plagiobothrys strictus and Poa napensis; however, their existence at the site is dubious.
Integrity: The geysers are run as a commercial venture and considerable development has taken place in the area.
Use: Observational. An admission is charged.
Ref: Rinehart, John 5. 1972. Fluctuations in Geyser Activity Caused by Variations in Earth Tidal Forces, Barometric Pressure and Tectonic Stresses. Jour, of Geophy. Res. 77 (2)
August 1975
Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2009 Steven Louis Hartman
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