What is a low-silica magma?

Answer 1

A magma containing not much silica (= SiO2). For example: a basaltic magma.

These magma's have a low viscosity since the lower the SiO2-content, the lower the viscosity; and hence flow easily (↔ a felsic magma).

Answer 2

A low-silica magma has a lower concentration of silica oxide compared to high-silica magmas. This type of magma is typically associated with basaltic or mafic compositions, which have higher temperatures and lower viscosity, allowing for easier flow and the formation of shield volcanoes.

Answer 3

Silicic magma is term used to describe magma with a high silica content. The higher silica content makes the magma more viscous and traps gases. Volcanoes with silicic magma tend to have much more violent eruptions. Think Mt. St. Helens (silicic) vs. Mt. Kilauea (Basaltic).

Answer 4

Silicate magma is magma with high levels of silica in it. Silica is found in the Earth's crust and often mixes with magma.