Volcanic landforms and eruptive styles

Volcanoes come in different shapes and sizes, and each structure has a
unique history of eruption. However, volcanologists have been able to classify them
according to their landforms and eruptive patterns. We have considered the three
general volcanic types according to the shape of their cones: namely: shield
volcanoes, cinder cones, and composite cones. 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.
A volcano can have one crater, like Mayon Volcano, or more than one, like Taal
Volcano that has 47 craters.

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 magma’s temperature, its chemical
composition, and the amount of dissolved gases it contains. These factors can
affect the magma’s viscosity in different ways.
The viscosity of magma decreases with temperature. The higher the
temperature of magma is, the lower is its viscosity. As lava flows, it cools and begins
to harden, its ability to flow decreases and eventually it stops.
The composition of magma affects its viscosity. Magmas with high silica
content are more viscous than those with low silica content. 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
gases makes magma more viscous, forming a dome or a columnar.
Viscosity of magma in different conditions

Lava with less silica

content has low viscosity
that it can travel a great
distance

Lava with high silica

content is too viscous to
travel far, and tends to
break up as it flows.

Lava with low amount of gas

as it rises has high viscosity
that it piles up at a vent
resulting in a dome.

Lava with low amount of gas and

high silica content is very viscous and
does not flow out at all as it rises
forming columnar plug in the vent

Guide Questions:
1. Draw and label the different parts of volcano. How will you describe each part?
2. What determines the nature of eruption?

3. How does each factor of eruption affects the viscosity of magma?