A natural hot spring that occasionally sprays water and steam above the ground is called a geyser.

Here's why:

* Hot Spring: The water originates from underground, heated by geothermal activity.

* Eruption: The water pressure builds up beneath the surface, forcing the hot water and steam to erupt.

* Intermittent: Geysers don't erupt continuously; they have periods of dormancy followed by eruptions.

Famous examples of geysers include:

* Old Faithful in Yellowstone National Park, USA

* Strokkur in Iceland

* Fly Geyser in Nevada, USA (though this one is human-made)