Not usually. Mafic magma usually has a low gas content than felsic or intermediate magma, so eruptions are often effusive. Cinder cones primarily erupt mafic lava with a low level of explosivity. Explosive eruptions can also occur if the magma comes in contact with groundwater.
The explosive force of violent eruptions is driven by gas trapped in the magma under pressure. Mafic magma often has a relatively low gas content and so usually erupts in a non-explosive or mildly explosive.
No. The most violent eruptions involve felsic magma.
Krakatoa volcano typically has mafic magma, which is low in silica content and high in magnesium and iron. This type of magma tends to be more fluid and can lead to explosive eruptions due to the rapid release of gases.
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.
Low viscosity mafic magma.
Not usually. Mafic magma usually has a low gas content than felsic or intermediate magma, so eruptions are often effusive. Cinder cones primarily erupt mafic lava with a low level of explosivity. Explosive eruptions can also occur if the magma comes in contact with groundwater.
The explosive force of violent eruptions is driven by gas trapped in the magma under pressure. Mafic magma often has a relatively low gas content and so usually erupts in a non-explosive or mildly explosive.
Volcanic eruptions are always caused by magma. This applies if the eruption is quiet or explosive, or whether the magma is felsic or mafic.
No. The most violent eruptions involve felsic magma.
Krakatoa volcano typically has mafic magma, which is low in silica content and high in magnesium and iron. This type of magma tends to be more fluid and can lead to explosive eruptions due to the rapid release of gases.
Mauna Loa volcano in Hawaii typically has mafic magma, which is rich in magnesium and iron, resulting in low viscosity and flowing lava. This magma composition contributes to the shield volcano shape and frequent eruptions on Mauna Loa.
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.
Not usually. Because it is so viscous, felsic magma does not erupt as easily as mafic magma. While eruptions of felsic magma do occur, most felsic rocks are intrusive, meaning they solidify underground.
Mafic magmas generally have lower viscosity and gas content compared to felsic magmas, so they tend to flow more easily rather than explode. However, in certain conditions where gas build-up is high and pressure is released rapidly, mafic magma may still explode, but it is less common than with felsic magmas.
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.
Felsic, intermediate, mafic and ultra mafic are the four broad types of magma.