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The silica-rich magma, also called felsic magma, is more viscous than iron-rich or mafic magma. This means resists flow more (just as syrup is more viscous than water). The high viscosity means that the felsic magma can trap more gasses, leading to explosive eruptions, rather than effusive ones.

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Which flows easier high silica magna or low silica magna?

Low silica magma typically flows easier than high silica magma because low silica magma has lower viscosity, meaning it is less resistant to flow. High silica magma is more viscous due to the presence of more silica tetrahedra in its composition, making it thicker and more difficult to flow.


What mineral that affects magma thickness?

The mineral that affects magma thickness is silica. Magma with high silica content tends to be more viscous, resulting in thicker magma. Conversely, magma with low silica content is less viscous and flows more easily.


Does magma having a silica content of 50 percent is more mafic than one having a silica content of 70 percent?

No, magma with a silica content of 50 percent is more felsic, while magma with a silica content of 70 percent is more mafic. Silica content is inversely proportional to magma's mafic or felsic classification.


What does high level of silica cause magma to become?

High levels of silica cause magma to be more viscous


What is relationship between silica content and viscosity?

magma that has more silica is more viscous


What is a magma's viscosity directly related to?

A magma's viscosity is directly related to its temperature and silica content. Higher temperature and lower silica content typically result in lower viscosity, making the magma more fluid and runny. Conversely, lower temperature and higher silica content lead to higher viscosity, resulting in a thicker, more sticky magma.


What type of magma has a high silica content?

rhyolitic magma has a lot of silica and water vapors... thanks for asking answers.com ;)


Is it true that the more sycila magma contains the thicker the magma is?

no, it's silica


What do both silica and water do to magma?

Silica is silicon dioxide. Is is perhaps the most common compound on earth. In magma the amount of silica is key in determining the viscosity. More silica leads to a more viscous magma.


Does the mantle have mafic magma or felsic magma in it?

The mantle primarily contains mafic magma, which is rich in iron and magnesium. Felsic magma, which is rich in silica, is more commonly found in areas associated with continental crust or in volcanic arcs.


What is a low-silica magma?

A magma containing not much silica (= SiO2). For example: a basaltic magma. These magma's have a low viscosity since the lower the SiO2-content, the lower the viscosity; and hence flow easily (↔ a felsic magma).


What kind of rocks does low silica magma form?

Low silica magma typically forms mafic rocks, which are rich in iron and magnesium and contain lower amounts of silica. Common examples of these rocks include basalt and gabbro. Due to their lower viscosity, low silica magmas tend to flow more easily, resulting in relatively gentle volcanic eruptions.