What Makes Boiling Lake On the Island of Dominica Boil and What Is a Fumarole?

Geologists think that Boiling Lake on the island of Dominica is actually a flooded fumarole.

A fumarole is a crack in the earth’s surface that releases gases from molten lava below.

These gases bubble to the surface, making it look as if the lake is boiling.

The water itself is almost hot enough to boil, at 197°F (92°C).

The lake is 207 feet (63 m) wide and is usually topped with a cloud of steam.

Boiling Lake is located in the Morne Trois Pitons National Park, which is a World Heritage site in Dominica.

Boiling Lake in Dominica is the second largest hot spring in the world.