Yes. The gas is actually the primary driving force behind explosive eruptions.
Yes. The gas is actually the primary driving force behind explosive eruptions.
Not usually. Explosive eruptions are more often to magma with high or moderate silica levels.
High temperature
Basaltic magmas are associated with fissure eruptions creating lava flows spilling out from cracks in the crust. This is because basaltic magmas are more viscous and contain a lower concentration of gases than rhyolitic magma and therefore are unable to build up sufficient pressure to produce explosive eruptions.
Magma with a high silica content tend to cause explosive eruptions because it has a stiff consistency and blocks the vents. When magma pushes from behind it more pressure happens which means the eruption will be explosive. It also prevents gas and water vapor from getting out. The gases will expand until it explodes.
Yes. The gas is actually the primary driving force behind explosive eruptions.
Gas, primarily water vapor.
No, quiet eruptions.
Explosive
YES
yes
Not usually. Explosive eruptions are more often to magma with high or moderate silica levels.
High temperature
Granitic magma is highly viscous (resists flow). This high viscosity results in the entrapment and buildup of gases which create explosive eruptions.
Basaltic magmas are associated with fissure eruptions creating lava flows spilling out from cracks in the crust. This is because basaltic magmas are more viscous and contain a lower concentration of gases than rhyolitic magma and therefore are unable to build up sufficient pressure to produce explosive eruptions.
There are several reasons. First, there isn't always magma (what lava is called when it is underground). The magma is usually trapped far below the volcano, unless the volcano is erupting or about to erupt. Second, heat alone cannot create an explosion. An explosion requires rapid expansion. Explosive volcanic eruptions occur when gas trapped in the magma is suddenly released as pressure on the magma decreases, or when water flash boils on contact with lava or magma. If there is no gas, and no water, there cannot be an explosive eruption. Third, the kinds of magma most likely to cause explosive eruptions are very viscous, meaning they do not flow very easily. As a result, they tend to get "stuck." Finally, the poper term is "erupt" not "explode" as not all eruptions are explosive. If there is not enough gas the volcano will ooze out lava rather than causing an explosion.
Magma with a high silica content tend to cause explosive eruptions because it has a stiff consistency and blocks the vents. When magma pushes from behind it more pressure happens which means the eruption will be explosive. It also prevents gas and water vapor from getting out. The gases will expand until it explodes.