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How does the viscosity (thickness) of lava affect the shape of a volcano?

How does the viscosity (thickness) of lava affect the shape of a volcano?

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The viscosity of the magma determines both the type of volcano which forms and the activity associated with that type of volcanoMagma viscosity is directly related to silica (SiO2) content (approximately 50-70 %) and temperatureViscosity is the principal property which determines the form of erupted lavaIt is mainly dependent on chemical composition, temperature, gas content, and the amount of crystals in the magmaLiquid lava with basaltic composition (such as in Hawaii)—relatively low in silicon and aluminum and high in iron, magnesium, and calcium—has higher fluidity (lower viscosity) compared with lava of rhyolitic or dacitic composition (such as at Mount StHelens, Washington), with higher abundance of silicon and aluminum but lower amounts of iron, magnesium, and calciumHigh temperature and gas content of the liquid lava, combined with low crystal abundance, also contribute to increased lava fluidityMeasured maximum temperatures of basaltic lava (1150–1200°C; 2100–2190°F) are higher than those for andesitic and more silicic lavas (720–850°C; 1330–1560°F)Very fluid basaltic lavas can flow great distances, tens to hundreds of kilometers, from the eruptive vents; in contrast, more silicic lavas travel much shorter distances, forming stubby flows or piling up around the vent to form lava domes.

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