Some types of lava travel faster than others primarily due to their viscosity, which is influenced by their chemical composition and temperature. Basaltic lava, for example, is low in viscosity because it contains less silica, allowing it to flow easily and quickly. In contrast, andesitic and rhyolitic lavas have higher viscosities due to their higher silica content, causing them to flow more slowly. Additionally, the temperature of the lava also affects its fluidity, with hotter lava generally being less viscous and able to travel further and faster.
The solidified lava forming the walls of the lava tube will act to insulate the molten lava. It will therefore cool more slowly than lava at the surface and so will have a lower viscosity (it will be more runny) and so will flow faster than lava at the surface.
Lava flows on Mount Etna can travel at varying speeds, typically ranging from 1 to 10 km/h (0.6 to 6.2 mph). However, during more explosive eruptions, lava fountains can propel material at much faster speeds.
Volcanic glass, such as obsidian, is formed from lava that cools rapidly. This rapid cooling prevents the formation of crystalline structures, resulting in a glassy texture. In contrast, slower cooling allows crystals to form, leading to different rock types like basalt or granite. Thus, volcanic glass is associated with faster cooling lava.
The San Cristobal volcano in Nicaragua primarily produces basaltic lava, which is low in silica content and flows easily. This type of lava typically results in effusive eruptions with lava flows that can travel long distances from the volcano. The lava from the San Cristobal volcano tends to be relatively fluid and forms shield volcanoes.
basaltic lava can form a'a, pahoehoe, or pillow lava.
2. Thick or runny lava. Thick flows slowly, runny flows faster.
Lava is known to have flowed at speeds of more than 100 miles per hour, which much faster than volcanic dust could travel.
Basaltic lava flows much faster than ryholitic lava.
Basaltic lava flows much faster than ryholitic lava.
ʻAʻā lava and Pāhoehoe are the two types of Hawaiian lava.
Pahoehoe lava, Aa lava, and Blocky lava
Lava is magma, that has reached the surface.
Mafic lava is hotter than felsic lava and therefore flows faster.
The solidified lava forming the walls of the lava tube will act to insulate the molten lava. It will therefore cool more slowly than lava at the surface and so will have a lower viscosity (it will be more runny) and so will flow faster than lava at the surface.
Lava flows on Mount Etna can travel at varying speeds, typically ranging from 1 to 10 km/h (0.6 to 6.2 mph). However, during more explosive eruptions, lava fountains can propel material at much faster speeds.
Thick, highly viscous lava.
Volcanic glass, such as obsidian, is formed from lava that cools rapidly. This rapid cooling prevents the formation of crystalline structures, resulting in a glassy texture. In contrast, slower cooling allows crystals to form, leading to different rock types like basalt or granite. Thus, volcanic glass is associated with faster cooling lava.