A volcano usually has a summit, slope, and base.

At the summit, there is an

opening which may either be a crater or a caldera. A crater is a funnel-shaped
opening at the top of a volcano while a caldera is formed when a part of the wall
collapses following an explosive eruption as shown in Figure 5. A volcano can
have one crater, like Mayon Volcano, or more than one, like Taal Volcano that
has 47 craters.

Volcanic activity can be very fascinating. After an explosive eruption, a scenic

cone-shaped structure may be produced or changes on its slope can be
observed. The emissions of a volcano provide us with clues on what materials
are found inside the Earth. Some eruptions are very explosive, while many others
are not. What determines the nature of eruption? There are primary factors
affecting the volcanoes eruptive style, namely: the magmas temperature, its
chemical composition, and the amount of dissolved gases it contains. These
factors can affect the magmas viscosity in different ways. Viscosity is the
property of the materials resistance to flow. It is also described as the liquids
thickness and stickiness. The more viscous and thicker the material is, the
greater is its resistance to flow. For instance, syrup is more viscous than water.
Let us discuss how each factor affects the viscosity of magma. First, lets look
into how temperature of magma affects its viscosity. The viscosity of magma
decreases with temperature. The higher the temperature of magma is, the lower
is its viscosity. Aslava flows, it cools and begins to harden, its ability to flow
decreases and eventually it stops.

Next, lets look at how the composition of magma affects its viscosity. Magmas
with high silica content are more viscous than those with low silica content as
shown in Figure 6.The magma that contains less silica is relatively fluid and
travels far before solidifying. Lastly, the amount of gases contained in the magma
affects its viscosity. Other factors being equal, gas (mainly water vapor) dissolved
in magma tends to increase its ability to flow. Therefore, in near-surface
environments, the loss of gasesmakes magma more viscous, forming a dome or
a columnar as shown in Figure 6.

FIGURE 6