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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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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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10mo ago
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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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12y ago
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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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9y ago
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Heat is one

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12y ago
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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.