blowhole

This term describes a specialized anatomical or geological vent characterized by the forceful expulsion of air or liquid. In marine biology, it refers to the modified nasal passage of cetaceans, serving as the primary respiratory organ that allows these mammals to breathe while remaining mostly submerged. In a geological sense, it describes a coastal feature where sea caves or fissures channel water upward through a vertical shaft, creating a geyser-like effect. This usage emphasizes the mechanical pressure of the tide forcing water through a narrow opening.