Nealy all magma on Earth is originally low-silica, mafic magma. Most magma originates from the upper mantle, which is ultramafic, meaning it has a very low silica content. This rock may partially melt under certain conditions, forming mafic magma, which has a somewhat higher silica content than the mantle rock.
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.
Basaltic magma is low in silica compared to andesitic or granitic magma.
Mafic magma has low silica content. It is usually rich in magnesium and iron, leading to its high density and fluid-like behavior. Mafic magmas tend to form basaltic rocks when they solidify.
Magma low in silica typically contains a higher proportion of iron and magnesium, which results in a more fluid composition. This lower silica content leads to a reduced ability to form strong chemical bonds, contributing to its lower viscosity. As a result, basaltic magma, which is low in silica, tends to flow more easily compared to more silica-rich magma, such as rhyolitic magma, which is more viscous and tends to erupt explosively.
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low silica content (basaltic magma)
low silica content (basaltic magma)
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 silica content and the gas content of magma are two properties that determine what kind of volcano will form. Magma with low silica content and low gas content tends to form effusive, shield volcanoes, while magma with high silica content and high gas content tends to form explosive, stratovolcanoes.
Basaltic magma is low in silica compared to andesitic or granitic magma.
Mafic magma has low silica content. It is usually rich in magnesium and iron, leading to its high density and fluid-like behavior. Mafic magmas tend to form basaltic rocks when they solidify.
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Low viscosity mafic magma.
Shield volcanoes have low silica magma, which is more fluid and runny compared to magma with higher silica content. This low silica content contributes to the gentle, flowing eruptions characteristic of shield volcanoes.
This type of magma is called mafic magma. It has a low viscosity due to its low silica content, allowing gases to escape easily. It typically contains high levels of iron and magnesium, making it darker in color.
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.
Magma that is low in silica and produces nonexplosive eruptions is called basaltic magma. As basaltic magma has a low viscosity due to its low silica content, it tends to flow more easily, resulting in nonexplosive eruptions with lava flows.