# XXXIV: The Great Geyser explained — Journey to the Center of the Earth

> Chapter companion for Journey to the Center of the Earth by Jules Verne.

## What happens

The expedition continues across the Liedenbrock Sea under favorable winds. A distant roaring noise is heard, which Axel fears may be a waterfall or a sea monster. As they approach, they discover it is a massive geyser on a volcanic islet. They land, and the Professor names the islet after his nephew. Axel measures the water temperature at 325°F, far above boiling, and notes the geyser's variable force. They depart after Hans repairs the rudder, having traveled 270 leagues from Port Gräuben and 620 leagues from Iceland.

## Themes in this chapter

### Scientific Curiosity and Ambition

The Professor's insistence on approaching the unknown phenomenon and his eagerness to investigate the geyser exemplify relentless scientific ambition.

### The Power of Nature

The geyser's immense column of water, electric sparks, and intense heat demonstrate nature's overwhelming force.

### The Unknown and the Sublime

Axel's initial terror and awe at the mysterious roaring and the geyser's majestic display highlight the sublime and unknown aspects of the subterranean world.

## Character check-ins

### Axel Liedenbrock

Axel records the journey, fears a cataract or monster, mutinies against the Professor, and later measures the geyser's temperature.

### Professor Otto Liedenbrock

The Professor insists on steering toward the phenomenon, identifies the islet and geyser, and names the islet after Axel.

### Hans Bjelke

Hans remains at the helm, climbs the mast to observe, identifies the islet as 'Holm' and the geyser as 'Geysir', and refits the rudder during the halt.

## Key lines

> The column of water thrown up to a height of five hundred feet falls in rain with a deafening uproar.

The geyser shoots water five hundred feet into the air, which then crashes down like rain with a thunderous noise.

_Describes the scale and sound of the geyser._

> I plunge a register thermometer into the boiling water. It marks an intense heat of 325°, which is far above the boiling point; therefore this water issues from an ardent furnace, which is not at all in harmony with Professor Liedenbrock’s theories.

Axel measures the geyser water at 325°F, much hotter than boiling, contradicting the Professor's theories about underground temperatures.

_Highlights the conflict between observation and theory._

## Links

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