Basaltic magma usually produces a Hawaiian or Stombolian style of eruption.
The form of a volcano is primarily determined by the composition and viscosity of the magma, as well as the eruption style. Magma that is low in viscosity, like basalt, allows for fluid lava flows, leading to broad, shield-shaped volcanoes. In contrast, more viscous magma, such as andesite or rhyolite, tends to produce explosive eruptions and builds steep-sided stratovolcanoes. Additionally, the presence of gas in the magma influences the eruption dynamics, further shaping the volcano's structure.
The style of the volcanic eruption is very dependent on the amount of dissolved gas that is in the magma (liquid rock below the surface). If there is a high gas content the volcanic eruption will be explosive and create a log of ash. If the gas content is low the eruption produces more lava flows. An example of a high gas content eruption was the last major eruption of Mt. St. Helens in 1980. An example of a low gas content eruption would be the Hawaiian volcanoes.
The strength of a volcanic eruption is primarily related to the composition, temperature, and pressure of the magma within the volcano. Magma that is high in silica tends to be more viscous, trapping gas and increasing pressure until explosive eruptions occur. Conversely, low-viscosity magma allows gases to escape more easily, resulting in less explosive, effusive eruptions. Thus, the characteristics of the magma directly influence the eruption's intensity and style.
The force behind the eruption of lava primarily comes from the pressure generated by gases dissolved in magma. As magma rises toward the Earth's surface, the decrease in pressure allows these gases to expand and form bubbles, increasing the pressure within the magma chamber. When the pressure becomes too great, it forces the magma to erupt through fissures or volcanic vents. Additionally, the viscosity of the magma can influence the eruption style, with more viscous magma often leading to more explosive eruptions.
Rising magma forced up as the result of plate tectonics, gravity, or what have you places incredible pressure on sides of the volcano and causes it to bulge. When the pressure becomes too great and the volcano rips open to release the pressure, an eruption begins.
Part of a volcano where magma is stored is called the magma chamber. This underground reservoir collects molten rock, which can lead to volcanic eruptions when pressure builds up and the magma rises through the volcano's conduit. The size and depth of the magma chamber can significantly influence the volcano's activity and eruption style.
The biggest factor determining how a volcano will erupt is the viscosity of the magma, which is influenced by its composition, temperature, and gas content. High-viscosity magma, often rich in silica, traps gases and leads to explosive eruptions, while low-viscosity magma allows gases to escape more easily, resulting in effusive eruptions. Additionally, the pressure buildup in the magma chamber and the presence of structural weaknesses in the volcano can also significantly affect the eruption style.
The duration of a volcanic eruption can vary widely depending on the volcano and the type of eruption. Eruptions can last for days, weeks, months, or even years in some cases. It is difficult to predict the exact length of an eruption as it depends on various factors such as the magma composition, eruption style, and volcanic activity.
The opening of a volcano, known as a vent, is where the eruption occurs. This vent allows magma, gases, and other volcanic materials to escape from the Earth's interior to the surface. Eruptions can vary in intensity and style, depending on factors like magma composition and gas content. Thus, the vent is crucial for facilitating volcanic eruptions.
A type of eruption that produces a viscous magma with 53 percent silica and a gas content of 2 percent is typically associated with a stratovolcano or a composite volcano. These eruptions are explosive due to the high viscosity of the magma, leading to the buildup of gas pressure before an explosive release. Example volcanoes with this type of eruption style include Mount St. Helens in the United States and Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines.
Pyroclasts can be formed by both basaltic and andesitic magma. Basaltic magma typically forms pyroclastic materials like scoria and ash, while andesitic magma can produce a variety of pyroclasts including volcanic bombs and pumice. The type of pyroclasts produced depends on factors such as the composition of the magma and the eruption style.