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Silica is a natural element found within the Earth's crust. There are several different types of it. Silica gets inside magma when a volcano forms. During the formation, the magma from deep inside the Earth pushes its way up to the surface. As it progresses upward, it passes through the continental crust, or layer of crust below Earth's continents. Silica is abundant in that area. While the magma is in the continental crust, even if only for a little while, it mixes with the silica. Some parts of the continental crust aren't quite as plentiful in silica as others. Depending on the amount of silica mixed with the magma, the magma can become 'silica-rich', or have sufficient amounts of silica. This lavish amount of silica in the magma makes the magma thick and pasty. Then, when the volcano goes to erupt, the magma gets stuck in the caldera, or crater hole in the top of the volcano, because of its thickness. Pressure builds up behind the plugged exit, as more gas and magma yearns to escape. Eventually, this pressure builds up SO much that the magma cork gives way, allowing all the gases and lava to burst out of the volcano in a GIGANTIC eruption. This is why an explosive eruption has so much smoke, from the gas build-up inside of the volcano. Quiet eruptions don't because there is no gas pressure to stop the thin magma from leaking out of the hot spot/volcano. In conclusion, silica creates a thick magma. This results in a plugged caldera. Gas pressure within the volcano then builds up because of the thick magma cork. When the cork gives way, a HUGE eruption results, releasing all the gases and smoke. Hope that this explanation helped!

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How do the igneous rocks granite and diorite form?

They form in essentially the same way, the only real difference being in composition. They form as magma slowly cools deep underground, allowing large crystals to form. Granite forms from magma that is rich in silica, sodium, and potassium. Diorite forms from magma that has somewhat less silica and more iron, calcium, and magnesium.


How does the amount of silica content change the viscosity of magma How does this affect the flow of magma?

The amount of silica and water affect the viscosity of the magma. The more viscous the magma, the slower the flow rate and the shorter and the thicker the flows. Silica makes for a more viscous magma.


Volcanoes formed from silica-rich magma?

Volcanoes formed from silica-rich magma typically have explosive eruptions due to the high viscosity of the magma. In these volcanoes, the magma contains a high percentage of silica which causes it to be thick and sticky, trapping gas bubbles and building pressure until it violently erupts. The eruption can result in ash clouds, pyroclastic flows, and lava flows.


Which volcanic igneous rock forms when silica-rich lava cools and solidifies?

The volcanic igneous rock that forms when silica-rich lava cools and solidifies is called rhyolite. Rhyolite is characterized by its light color and fine-grained texture, as it typically cools quickly on the Earth's surface. It is the extrusive equivalent of granite, which forms from the same silica-rich magma but cools more slowly underground. Rhyolite often contains small crystals and can exhibit various textures, including glassy or porphyritic.


How would you compare and contrast basaltic and granitic magmas?

Dude, i know what your playing at. I have the exact same book you have/had. seriously. Why are you doing this for every single question? Do you really think it's gonna help you in the long run? Just think about it.could just answer it+ your doing the exact same thing or else you wouldn't be able to commentthink about it

Related Questions

Where did gabbro come from?

Gabbro forms from a magma that is rich in iron and magnesium, and poor in silica (quartz). The magma cools and crystallizes deep below the earth's surface. Gabbro is from the same kind of magma as basalt and diabase, but because it cools more slowly, it develops larger crystals.


How do the igneous rocks granite and diorite form?

They form in essentially the same way, the only real difference being in composition. They form as magma slowly cools deep underground, allowing large crystals to form. Granite forms from magma that is rich in silica, sodium, and potassium. Diorite forms from magma that has somewhat less silica and more iron, calcium, and magnesium.


How does the amount of silica content change the viscosity of magma How does this affect the flow of magma?

The amount of silica and water affect the viscosity of the magma. The more viscous the magma, the slower the flow rate and the shorter and the thicker the flows. Silica makes for a more viscous magma.


Volcanoes formed from silica-rich magma?

Volcanoes formed from silica-rich magma typically have explosive eruptions due to the high viscosity of the magma. In these volcanoes, the magma contains a high percentage of silica which causes it to be thick and sticky, trapping gas bubbles and building pressure until it violently erupts. The eruption can result in ash clouds, pyroclastic flows, and lava flows.


How would you compare and contrast basaltic and granitic magmas?

Dude, i know what your playing at. I have the exact same book you have/had. seriously. Why are you doing this for every single question? Do you really think it's gonna help you in the long run? Just think about it.could just answer it+ your doing the exact same thing or else you wouldn't be able to commentthink about it


How did rich and poor people live in 19th century New York City?

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Yes they did. They ate the same types of food.


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Rich tudors had silk and cotton robes, and poor tudors had, well, rags.


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The same as a rich Muslim can eat.