Bring To A Rolling Boil

In a volcanic zone like around Mt. Akutan, water is heated by coming into contact with molten rock (or magma) and can cause hot springs. There are at least four types of hot springs: water can be 1) boiling, 2) steaming (called a fumarole), 3) erupting in a jet above the surface of the earth (called a geyser), or 4) mixed with mud and clay (called a mud pot). We saw three of the four types--no geyser. Needless to say, we were unable to take a dip in the springs, as we couldn't even run a hand through the water without shrinking back in pain. We later learned that the ground there is hot everywhere, not just below the springs. At one point when we found we were unable to cross a cold, flowing stream, we removed our boots and Sarah planted her first foot in the riverbed to start across. She shrieked in pain and jumped out--though the running water was freezing cold, the rocks and sand below were as hot as coals. Thus was illustrated the fact that the ground is hot throughout the bay, and hot springs are only caused by pools of still water above.