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The three factors that control the viscosity of lava are temperature, composition and dissolved gases. When the temperature is hotter, there will be less viscous. When the composition has a higher silica content, there will be higher viscosity and a lower silica content means a lower viscosity. The gases will expand within the lava as it nears the surface of the Earth because of decreasing pressure.

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10y ago
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4mo ago

Viscosity of magma and lava is controlled by temperature, composition, and gas content. Magma/lava with higher silica content is more viscous, while higher temperatures and lower gas content decrease viscosity. Cooling can also increase viscosity as the magma/lava solidifies.

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12y ago

Viscosity effects lava by how high it is or how low it is. The high viscosity Thick sticky high silica magma don't erupt. Internal pressure rises. Violent eruptions occurs. Abundant pyroclasts. Low viscosity. Runny low silica high temperature. Basaltic lava, erupts easily produces quiet eruptions of free flowing lava. Differernt. Viscosity's of lava results in different kinds of volcanoes.

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9y ago

Silica content, temperature and gas content.
The resistance and heat are some of the things that controls the viscosity of lava.

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12y ago

Heat is one

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Q: What factors control the viscosity of magma and lava?
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When and why did lave flows end?

Lava flows end when the magma chamber feeding the eruption becomes depleted of molten rock, causing the lava supply to the surface to cease. The exact timing of when lava flows end can vary depending on factors such as the volume of magma, viscosity of the lava, and the duration of the eruption.


Would the typemagma mean the Eyjafjallajokull Volcano has high medium or low in viscosity?

Eyjafjallajokull Volcano has medium viscosity. The term "magma" is used to describe molten rock below the Earth's surface, while "lava" is used for molten rock that has reached the surface. Eyjafjallajokull's eruption in 2010 produced lava flows of medium viscosity.


Do shield volcanoes have high viscosity?

No, shield volcanoes have low viscosity lava due to their composition of basaltic magma, which has low silica content. This low viscosity allows the lava to flow easily and spread out over a wide area, resulting in the gentle, sloping shape characteristic of shield volcanoes.


What factors affect lava formation?

Lava formation is primarily influenced by temperature, pressure, composition of the magma, and the presence of volatiles such as water and gases. The temperature determines the viscosity of the magma, while pressure affects the magma's ability to rise to the surface. Composition determines the type of lava flow produced, whether it be mafic, intermediate, or felsic. The presence of volatiles can lead to explosive eruptions by contributing to increased pressure within the magma chamber.


What is fast flowing lava with low viscosity called?

Fast flowing lava with low viscosity is called "pahoehoe." This type of lava has a smooth, rope-like texture and tends to move quickly across the surface due to its low viscosity, which allows it to flow easily. Pahoehoe lava often forms when basaltic magma emerges from a volcano.

Related questions

What kinds of lava do volcanoes with lower viscosity magma produce?

They produce basaltic lava.


What mainly determines the viscosity of a magma?

Viscosity is the measure of a liquids resistance to flow. In the case of magma, the hotter it is, the lower the viscosity.


Correct order of decreasing magma viscosity?

The amount of viscosity present in magma depends on the amount of silica it has. A composite volcano produces rhyolitic lava which is very thick. A shield volcano produces a basaltic lava with less silica and significantly less viscosity.


When and why did lave flows end?

Lava flows end when the magma chamber feeding the eruption becomes depleted of molten rock, causing the lava supply to the surface to cease. The exact timing of when lava flows end can vary depending on factors such as the volume of magma, viscosity of the lava, and the duration of the eruption.


What is the difference in silica content and viscosity between light-colored and dark-colored magma?

The lower the viscosity is the hotter the magma is and faster it flows.Higher the viscosity is the cooler it is and slower it flows down.


What provides the force that propels magma from a volcanic vent?

Lava moves from its viscosity.


Does the composite volcano have high viscosity?

Composite volcanoes typically have higher viscosity lava compared to shield volcanoes, resulting in more explosive eruptions. The high silica content in the magma of composite volcanoes contributes to this higher viscosity. However, the exact viscosity of the lava can vary depending on specific factors such as temperature and gas content.


What is the viscosity of lava flow from a cinder cone volcano?

The viscosity of lava flow from a cinder cone volcano is typically high, leading to slower-moving lava flows. This is due to the higher silica content of the lava, which increases its viscosity. As a result, cinder cone volcanoes often produce short, thick flows that can cool and solidify quickly.


What does viscosity have to do with eruptions?

Viscosity of magma affects the explosiveness of volcanic eruptions. Magma with high viscosity traps gas bubbles, increasing pressure, leading to more explosive eruptions. In contrast, low viscosity magma allows gas to escape easily, resulting in less explosive eruptions.


Why do some volcanoes erupt violently and others don't?

Three important factors control whether an eruption will be explosive or quiet. One is the amount of water vapor and other gases that are trapped in the magma. The other factor is how much silica is present in the magma. And temperature.


Would the typemagma mean the Eyjafjallajokull Volcano has high medium or low in viscosity?

Eyjafjallajokull Volcano has medium viscosity. The term "magma" is used to describe molten rock below the Earth's surface, while "lava" is used for molten rock that has reached the surface. Eyjafjallajokull's eruption in 2010 produced lava flows of medium viscosity.


Do shield volcanoes have high viscosity?

No, shield volcanoes have low viscosity lava due to their composition of basaltic magma, which has low silica content. This low viscosity allows the lava to flow easily and spread out over a wide area, resulting in the gentle, sloping shape characteristic of shield volcanoes.