phreatic

[ free-at-ik ]

adjective

, Geology.

1. noting or pertaining to groundwater.
2. noting or pertaining to explosive volcanic activity involving steam derived from groundwater:

   a phreatic explosion.

phreatic

/ frɪˈætɪk /

adjective

1. geography of or relating to ground water occurring below the water table Compare vadose

Word History and Origins

Origin of phreatic¹

First recorded in 1890–95; from Greek phreat- (stem of phréar ) “artificial well” + -ic

Word History and Origins

Origin of phreatic¹

C19: from Greek phrear a well

Example Sentences

Outside the permanent danger zone, the volcanology institute warned people including those living on the vulnerable southeastern side of the volcano to stay alert “due to the increased possibilities of sudden and hazardous phreatic eruptions.”

From Seattle Times

The initial stages of Taal’s current eruption were, in fact, such steam-driven, or phreatic, ones, and they sent ash high into the sky.

From Scientific American

The phreatic explosion and ash plume were visible from the nearby city of Tagaytay, a popular spot for viewing the volcano and where tourists flock during weekends.

From Reuters

"It's possible that there's no magma involved, that it's just a phreatic eruption - a steam eruption. We don't know yet."

From BBC

The disaster agency said communities around the mountain should be aware it could have a “phreatic” or steam-blast eruption that expels gas and ash without warning.

From Seattle Times