SCIENCE 9: EARTH AND SPACE

MODULE 9
VOLCANO

Learning Objectives:
a. Describe the factors that affect the viscosity of magma; and
b. Categorize the volcanoes eruptive styles;

LESSON 2: Volcanic eruptive styles

Volcanoes have different types of eruptions. The nature of eruption is determined
by the following factors: the temperature of magma, the chemical composition of magma
and the dissolved gases the magma contains. These factors can affect the viscosity of the
magma. Viscosity is the property of the material’s resistance to flow. It is describe as the
thickness and stickiness of materials. Materials which are more viscous and thicker have
greater resistance to flow. An example of this is honey. Honey is more viscous than
water. Honey flows slowly compared to water which flows easily.

Factors affecting the viscosity of magma

1. Temperature of Magma
A very hot magma is less dense and has low viscosity making it flow easily
while cool magma has high density and high viscosity so, it is harder to flow.

2. The chemical composition of magma

High viscosity magma has more silica content. This creates strong
eruption. Magma with low silica content is relatively fluid and flows farther
before solidifying.

3. The dissolved gases the magma contains

The gas, primarily water vapor, is dissolved in magma. High viscosity
magma has more gas build up. Volcano with this type of magma erupts violently.
Magma with less gas build up is less viscous and has less violent eruption.
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SCIENCE 9: EARTH AND SPACE

Types of volcanic eruptions (Alvarez, A. L. et. al., 2014)

1. Phreatic or hydrothermal
A stream-driven eruption as the hot rocks comes in contact with water. It
is short-lived, characterized by ash columns but may be an onset of large
eruption. Taal Volcano manifested this type of eruption.

2. Phreatomagmatic
A violent eruption due to the contact between water and magma. As a
result, a large column of very fine ash and high speed and sideway emission of
pyroclastics called base surges are observed.

3. Strombolian
A periodic weak to violent eruption characterized by fountain lava, just
like the Irazu volcano in Costa Rica

4. Vulcanian
Characterized by tall eruption columns that reach up to 20 km high with
pyroclastic flow and ashfall tephra like that of Paricutin Volcano in Mexico.
5. Plinian
An excessively explosive type of eruption of gas and pyroclastics just like
our Pinatubo volcano in Zambales.
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