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Eruptions involcing silicic or felsic magma are generally the worst. Eruptions of mafic material are usually effusive or only mildly explosive, producing cinders or lava flows. Eruptions of felsic material often produce large ash clouds and deadly pyroclastic flows.

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Is tephra always silicic?

No, tephra is not always silicic. Tephra can be composed of a variety of materials, including silicic, basaltic, andesitic, or rhyolitic compositions, depending on the volcanic eruption that produced it.


Why do mafic magmas tend to reach the surface much more often than silicic magmas?

Mafic magma is less viscous or more fluid than silicic magma in much the same way that water is less viscous than molasses. Mafic magma reaches the surface more often because it flows more easily.


Why are eruption of mafic magma are quiet while eruption of Felsic magma are explosive?

Mafic magma, which is low in silica content, has a lower viscosity, allowing gases to escape easily during an eruption, resulting in quiet flows. In contrast, felsic magma is high in silica, making it more viscous and trapping gases within. When pressure builds up in felsic magma, it can lead to explosive eruptions as the trapped gases are released violently. This fundamental difference in composition and viscosity accounts for the contrasting eruption styles.


Does mt etna have mafic or felsic lava?

Oh, dude, Mt. Etna has both mafic and felsic lava. It's like a lava buffet up there! Mafic lava is low in silica and more runny, while felsic lava is high in silica and thicker. So, yeah, Mt. Etna serves up a mix of both, keeping things interesting for all the volcano enthusiasts out there.


What type of magna has a low silica content?

Magma with low silica content is typically referred to as mafic magma. Mafic magma is characterized by its high temperature and low viscosity, which allows for the eruption of lava flows. This type of magma is commonly associated with basaltic rocks.

Related Questions

Which is more dense mafic or silicic rock?

Mafic rocks are generally more dense than silicic rocks due to their higher content of dense minerals like olivine and pyroxene. Silicic rocks, such as granite, have a lower density and are characterized by their lighter color and lower specific gravity.


Is tephra always silicic?

No, tephra is not always silicic. Tephra can be composed of a variety of materials, including silicic, basaltic, andesitic, or rhyolitic compositions, depending on the volcanic eruption that produced it.


Why do mafic magmas tend to reach the surface much more often than silicic magmas?

Mafic magma is less viscous or more fluid than silicic magma in much the same way that water is less viscous than molasses. Mafic magma reaches the surface more often because it flows more easily.


What are the 3 types of magma?

basaltic magma ,Andesitic magma and Rhyolitic magma


What is the difference between basaltic magma and silicic magma?

Granitic rocks are intrusive, which means they crystallized underground. Basaltic rocks are extrusive, meaning they crystallized above ground. Also, basaltic rocks are more mafic, and granitic rocks are more felsic.


What do quiet lava eruptions generally result from?

Volcanic eruptions are always caused by magma. This applies if the eruption is quiet or explosive, or whether the magma is felsic or mafic.


How can one make silicic acid?

Silicic acid can be made by reacting silicon dioxide with an alkaline solution, such as sodium hydroxide. This reaction forms sodium silicate, which can then be acidified to produce silicic acid.


Does mt etna have mafic or felsic lava?

Oh, dude, Mt. Etna has both mafic and felsic lava. It's like a lava buffet up there! Mafic lava is low in silica and more runny, while felsic lava is high in silica and thicker. So, yeah, Mt. Etna serves up a mix of both, keeping things interesting for all the volcano enthusiasts out there.


What type of magna has a low silica content?

Magma with low silica content is typically referred to as mafic magma. Mafic magma is characterized by its high temperature and low viscosity, which allows for the eruption of lava flows. This type of magma is commonly associated with basaltic rocks.


What is the difference between felid and mafic?

Felsic rocks have 0-15% mafic crystals, while mafic rocks have 46-85% mafic crystals.


How the composition of magma determines an eruption's characteristics?

Silica(te) rich magma is usually an explosive eruption. The explosiveness of an eruption depends on - a) Gases trapped within the magma at eruption b) The Silica content c) The fragility of the crater walls and/or the volcanic plug.


Is mauna loa mafic or felsic?

The 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens produced dacite, which has an intermediate-felsic composition.