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.
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.
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.
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.
High levels of silica cause magma to be more viscous
magma that has more silica is more viscous
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.
rhyolitic magma has a lot of silica and water vapors... thanks for asking answers.com ;)
no, it's silica
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.
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.
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).
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.