EDUCATIONAL SYSTEMS

TECHNOLOGICAL INSTITUTE
MURALLON BOAC, MARINDUQUE

SCIENCE 9
QUARTER 3
MODULE 1-WEEK 1 & 2
PARTS OF THE VOLCANO
LESS ON 1
Look at the picture. Are you familiar with this image? This is the breath-
taking scenery at Taal Lake, on the Philippine island of Luzon, makes it
one of the country's most popular tourist destinations. The Philippines
is known for its diverse natural resources and picturesque sceneries
like mountains and volcanoes. Having these in the country is not
surprising because Philippines is situated or part of the “Pacific Ring of
Fire”, which is characterized by frequent earthquakes and volcanic
eruptions.
Figure 1. Taal Volcano

What is a Volcano?
Volcanism is a phenomenon connected with volcanoes and its
volcanic activity such as the movement of magma from the mantle onto the surface of the earth. A volcano is
a mountain that opens downward to a pool of molten rock (magma) below the surface of the earth.
Volcanoes are openings or vents in the earth’s crust which magma, ash and gases escape that may cause
violent and spectacular eruptions. Hot molten rocks beneath the earth (mantle)is known as magma and
becomes a lava after it comes out of a volcano and reach the surface of the earth. As pressure builds up in
the mantle, magma rises and pushes through vents and fissures (narrow cracks in the earth’s crust) forces
its way out which can lead to a volcanic eruption. Hot liquid rock under the Earth’s surface is known as
magma, it is called lava after it comes out of a volcano. As pressure in the molten rock builds up it needs to
escape somewhere. So it forces its way up “fissures” which are narrow cracks in the earth’s crust. Once the
magma erupts through the earth’s surface it is called lava.
How are Volcanoes Formed?
Most volcanoes are formed as a result of geological activities along the plate boundaries. In the Ring of Fire,
volcanoes were formed in the subduction zone. When two plates collide, one plates sinks into the mantle and
melts. The resulting magma rises through the other plate above it and forms a chain of volcanoes. Some
volcanoes are also formed along the rift of two plates which are being pulled apart. Magma rises out of the
rift from the sea floor as the seafloor spreads. Iceland is a volcanic island was formed. Some volcanoes are
formed at the center of a plate by plumes. It is a rising column of super-hot magma from some places in the
mantle. The shooting magma can burn a hole into the plate above and form a volcano, these hotspots are
found at a number of locations around the globe with the most notable being in Hawaii.
Parts of the Volcano and its Description
Magma - Molten rock beneath Earth's surface.
Magma Reservoir- This is where magma is formed
Parasitic Cone - A small cone-shaped volcano formed by an
accumulation of volcanic debris.
Sill - A flat piece of rock formed when magma hardens in a
crack in a volcano. Vent - An opening in Earth's surface
through which volcanic materials escape.
Flank - The side of a volcano.
Lava - Molten rock that erupts from a volcano that solidifies as
it cools. Crater - Mouth of a volcano - surrounds a volcanic
vent.
Conduit - An underground passage magma travels through.
Figure 2. Parts of a Volcano
Summit - Highest point; apex
Throat - Entrance of a volcano. The part of the conduit that
ejects lava and volcanic ash.

Volcanic Emissions
Ash - fragments of lava or rock smaller than 2 mm in size that are blasted into the air by volcanic explosions.
Ash Cloud - a cloud of ash formed by volcanic explosions.
Lava Flow- magma that erupts is called lava. Lava flows are molten rock that ooze onto the Earth’s surface
after a volcano eruption.
Volcanic Bombs-these molten rocks are thrown out from a volcano and are at least 66mm in size.
Eruption Column- these clouds of heated ash and tephra are released from a vent during an explosive
volcanic eruption.
Eruption Cloud- ash falls back down like powdery snow. But it’s snow that won’t melt. These blankets of ash
suffocate plants and animals. The eruption cloud can extend up to 12 miles above a volcano. Then, it can
reach thousands of kilometers in distance raining ash over regions.
Tephra- if magma is thick and sticky, gases cannot escape easily. Pressure builds up until the gases escape
violently and explode. This type of eruption magma blasts up into the air and breaks apart into pieces called
tephra. Tephra can range in size from tiny particles of ash to house size boulders. Tephra destroys
everything in its path.
Pyroclastic Flow- this type of deadly flow contains fast-moving volcanic matter and hot gas. Pyroclastic flow
moves away from a volcano and incorporates tephra. Lahar- When hot volcanic material mixes with water
from streams or snow and ice, lahar mudflows form.

ACTIVITIES

Let us do some activities for you to understand more about on the parts of volcano.
Lesson 1: Activity No. 1: Parts of the Volcano
Direction: A. Identify the numbered parts of the volcano shown in the figure above. Write your answer on the
blank.

1. ______________________ 9. _____________________
2. ______________________ _
3. ______________________ 10. _____________________
4. ______________________ _ 11. ______________________
5. ______________________ 12. ______________________
6. ______________________ 13.______________________
7. ______________________ 14.______________________
8. ______________________ 15._____________________
A. Direction: Identify the parts of a volcano being described in each number. Underline the correct
answer.

1. Molten rock beneath Earth's surface. (magma ,lava, ash)

2. A small cone-shaped volcano formed by an accumulation of volcanic debris. (parasitic cone, crater,
conduit)
3. A flat piece of rock formed when magma hardens in a crack in a volcano. (ash, sill, throat)
4. An opening in Earth's surface through which volcanic materials escape.
(crater, vent, magma chamber)
5. Molten rock that erupts from a volcano that solidifies as it cools.( magma, ash, lava)
6. Mouth of a volcano - surrounds a volcanic vent.(crater, conduit, cone)
7. An underground passageway of magma travels through.(crater, conduit, cone)
8. Highest point; apex(summit ,top, vent)
9. Entrance of a volcano. The part of the conduit that ejects lava and volcanic ash.(crater, mouth,
throat)
10. Fragments of lava or rock smaller than 2 mm in size that are blasted into the air by volcanic
explosions.(ash, lava, magma)
 Guide Questions:
1. How are volcanoes related to the Ring of Fire?

2. What are the structural features of volcano? Name at least 5.

______________________________________________________________________________
Closure:
Give the difference between a magma from lava.
_______________________________________________________________________________

WRAP – UP
To summarize what you have learned, complete the concept map using the following words on the box.
VOLCANO

(are ruptures or vents)

Formed in the most are found in the

1. 1.
2.
3.
has common parts can eject materials like

WORD BANK 1. 1.
2. 2.
lava 3. 3. crater

divergent boundaries steam Ring of fire conduit convergent boundaries ash

chamber hot spots

VALUING
Lesson 1: Activity No. 2: Tourist Spot

Several disadvantages of volcanoes are seen due to its hazards when it erupts. It can cause damage
to properties, injuries and worst death. On the other hand, volcanoes serve as a tourist destination because
some tourists find it fascinating to see the shape of a volcano and sometimes, they find its eruption, a once in
a lifetime scenario that needs to be captured.
1. As a student, how can you help in promoting volcanoes as a vital part of the Philippines Tourism?

2. What can you do to help in preserving and protecting the volcanoes here in the Philippines?
3. If you are given a chance to be a tourist guide on one of the volcanoes in the Philippines, how will you
described it to the tourist? (Cite the volcano of your choice)
 POST - TEST

Choose the letter of the best answer. Write the chosen letter on a separate sheet of paper.
1. The most important volcanic belt, a narrow zone of active volcanoes that nearly encircles the Pacific basin,
is known as the _____?
A. Ring of fire C. Pacific Archipelago
B.Pacific ocean D. San Andreas belt
2. Which of the following best describe the parts of the volcano?
A. a mountain or hill
B. are found only on land
C. are openings in the earth surface
D. composed of caldera, vent and crater
3. What do you call to the hot molten material located beneath the earth’s surface?
A. crater C. lava
B. crust D. magma
4. What part of the volcano is shown on the picture?
A. crater
B. caldera
C. conduit
D. vent
5. Which of the statements listed below is negative aspect of a volcanic eruption?
A. generating geothermal energy.
B. lava flows and lahars clear areas of woodland or agriculture.
C. the dramatic scenery created by volcanic eruptions attracts tourist.
D. lava and ash deposited during a volcanic eruption breaks down to provide valuable nutrients for the
soil.

LESSON 2

Famous for its “Perfect Cone”,

the Mayon Volcano is that the
Philippines’ most active
volcano and therefore the most
well-liked tourist destination
within the Bicol Region. With a
height of two, 463 meters, it's
the centerpiece of the Albay
province, which is about 300
kilometers southeast of Manila,
the capital of the
Figure 1. Mayon Volcano

Philippines. Volcanoes are mountains but they're very different from other mountains, they're not
formed by folding and crumpling or by uplift and erosion. Instead, volcanoes are built by the buildup of their
own eruptive products -- lava, bombs (crusted over ash flows, and tephra (airborne ash and dust). A
volcano is most ordinarily a conical hill or mountain built around a vent that connects with reservoirs of
molten rock below the surface of the planet. Volcanoes have several shapes, which are controlled by the
composition of the magma and therefore the nature if its eruption.
Geologists generally group volcanoes into four supported the character of their eruption and therefore the
reasonably lava they release – cinder cone, composite, shield, and lava dome volcanoes
Cinder Cone Volcano
It is also called as scoria cone. Is that the simplest, most typical type, and
features a characteristic conoid. It forms when volcanic cinder, blobs of
congealed lava of basaltic composition, comes out from one vent. its
 Figure 2. A Cinder Cone

explosive eruptions caused by gas rapidly expanding and escaping from the molten lava that comes out
sort of a fountain. The lava cools quickly and falls as cinders that build up round the vent forming a round
shape, leaving a crater at the summit. These volcanoes will be as high as 100 to 400 meters, because the
lava is blown violently into the atmosphere, it breaks into small fragments, solidifies and falls as a cinders
round the vent. Lava Type: Less viscous, quite fluid basaltic lava (enriched in iron and magnesium and
depleted in silica.
Figure 3. Diagram of Cinder
Examples: Paricutín in Mexico, Taal in Philippines As the lava is blown violently into the atmosphere, it
breaks into small fragments, solidifies and falls as a cinders around the vent.
Composite Volcano
Also observed as strato-volcanoes, it includes a number of the world’s grandest
mountains. A tall conical mountain composed of an alternating layer of lava-flow,
which justifies the name composite volcano. It can have a cluster of vents, with
lava breaking through walls or issuing from fissures on the perimeters of the
mountain. The eruptions are extremely explosive and dangerous. Pressure
builds within the magma chamber as gases under immense heat and pressure
are dissolved within the magma. When the magma reaches the vents, the
pressure is released, and also the gases explode violently. These is up to 100 to Figure 4. Diagram of a
3500 meters high. Composite Volcano

Lava Type: Highly viscous rhyolitic lava that hardens before it can spread far
(high content of silica and low iron and magnesium contents)).
Figure 5. A Composite
Examples: Fujiyama, Mt. Mayon and Kanlaon in Philippines.

Shield Volcano
Shield volcanoes are huge, gently sloped volcanoes that just about exclusively
erupts basaltic lava and include a number of the biggest volcanoes within the
Figure 7. A Shield Volcano
world. it's built by many layers of low-viscous lava flows. The eruptions don't
seem to be explosive; the lava oozes out from the central vent or a gaggle of
vents and spreads far, building a dome shape profile sort of a warrior’s shield.
They will be as high as 9000 meters from the bottom.
Lava Type: Less viscous, quite fluid basaltic lava Figure 6. Diagram of a
Shield Examples: The volcanoes within the Hawaiian Island, including Kilauea,
Diamond Head, Mauna Loa.
Figure 8. Lava Dome Diagram

Lava Dome
It is also referred to as volcanic dome. These are relatively small, circular mounds formed
because the lava is simply too viscous to flow, which makes it piles over and round the vents,
because the lava oozes out, its outer surface cools and hardens, then shatters, spilling loose
fragments down its side. Lava domes are found within the crater or on the edges of enormous
composite volcanoes. Their height depends on the dimensions of the composite volcanoes
they seem around.
Lava Type: Highly viscous, less fluid rhyolitic lava
Examples: There are lava domes within the crater of Mount
St. Helens, Chaitén lava dome, Lassen Peak
Figure 9. A Lava Dome

What are the advantages and disadvantages of living near volcanoes?

Volcanoes and volcanic activities are usually related to destruction thanks
to what we've experienced. Risks of living near volcanic areas include destruction
onto land by volcanic materials, landslides, pollution and effects on weather.
However, the materials are important for human life. As an example, lava and
volcanic ash contains nutrients that enrich the soil, many volcanic materials are
very useful in industrial and chemical uses, tourist attraction and source of heat energy.
 ACTIVITIES

Let us do some activities for you to understand more about the types of volcano.
Lesson 2 Activity No. 1: Comparison of the Four Types of Volcano
Direction: Use the table below and choose your answer in box to describe the types of volcano.
Types of Volcano
Basis of
Comparison Shield Volcano Cinder Composite Lava Volcano
Volcano volcano
A. Eruption Style
Gentle,lots of
magma,lava
fountain and
bombs
Highly viscous
B. Magma

Expands and
C. Gas forms bubbles
in lava, high
levels
Hardened
D. Shape thick layers of
rock.

E. Examples Mauna Loa,

Hawaii

Magm
a
W • Hot, low vis
cosity and soft.
• Highly visco
us.
O
• Hot, low vis
cosity (runny), fast moving.
R • Slightly cool
er, thick and sticky, very viscous, foams and explosives
violently.
D
Ga
• s levels
Low
B • Low levels,
can escape from magma.
• Expands an d forms bubbles in lava , high levels
A
• High levels,pressure from gas bubbles tryingescape.
to
N Eruption
K Style
• Gentle, lots of magma, lava fountains and bombs.
• Slow, can be violent, lava does not flow far.
• Explosives, violent, lava flows, lahar, pyroclastic flows, cinders and
ash clouds.
Shap
• Mildly explosives,erupt lava from a breach
in side or base of volcano,
e gas-filled lava cools to become cinders.
• Hardened, thick layers of rock.
• Wide and gently sloping sides (from layers of lava flows cooling).
• Regular shape, steep sided cones, rough land scapes, layers of lava, rock and
ash make it tall.
• Steep sides, small crater, surrounded by debris of small red or black basalt
rocks with little holes.

Example

• Mauna Loa, Hawaii ,

• Paricutin, Mexico
• Mt. Fuji, Japan s,
• Mt. St. Helen, USA
Guide Questions:
1. Why do volcanoes have different shapes?
2. What is the most dangerous type of volcano and why?
Closure:
What is the common shape of volcano in the Philippines?

Lesson 2 Activity No. 2: Volcano in the Philippines

Direction: Shown below are pictures of some of the volcanoes found in the Philippines. Identify the type of
volcano, its eruption and lava type.

Mayon Volcano
Eruption Style:
Lava Type:
Type of Volcano:

Taal Volcano
Eruption Style:
Lava Type:
Type of Volcano:

Kanlaon Volcano
Eruption Style:
Lava Type:
Type of Volcano:

Guide Questions:
1. What causes a shield volcano to be shaped like a broad dome?
2. Why do volcanoes differ in size?
Closure:
Name some famous volcanoes in the Philippines and in other countries. State in what way they are famous.

WRAP – UP
Direction: Identify the type of volcano on the following statements.
___________1.A volcano that has steep sides.
___________2. A volcano that has a gentle eruption.
___________3. A volcano that has a thin lava
___________4. A volcano has a broad, low base. A volcano that has a broad, low base.
___________5. Lava type is highly viscous.
____________6. Has a cone shaped and the simplest type of volcano.
____________7. Has a violent eruption
____________8. Also known as volcanic dome.
____________9. A volcano that has sticky lava which move slowly.
___________10. Paricutin in Mexico is one example of this volcano.
 VALUING
One of the advantages of living near a volcano is having a fertile
soil which is very essential in farming. But it is known fact that
living a near a active volcano could be hazardous.

https://images.app.goo.gl/9fJuzMdBA9JjxqT16

1. Knowing the hazards of living near a volcano, what would you advice to the locals to assure their
safety if a volcano suddenly erupts?

__________________________________________________________________________________
2. What is the best thing to do to lessen/minimize the hazardous effects of volcanic eruption?

__________________________________________________________________________________

POST - TEST
Choose the letter of the best answer. Write the chosen letter on a separate sheet of paper.
1. Which of the following examples is NOT classified as composite volcano?
A. Mt. Fuji
B. Mt. Rainier
C. Mt. Mayon
D. Mt. Paricutin
2. Which of the following volcano has the most violent type of volcanic activity?
A. lava dome.
B. shield volcano.
C. cinder cone volcano.
D. composite volcano
3. What type of volcano is shown in the picture?
A. lava dome.
B. shield volcano.
C. cinder cone volcano.
D. composite volcano3
4. Which of the following is NOT a major part in determining the form of volcano?
A. type of eruption
B. type of material
C. date of eruption
D. composition of magma
5. What is the common source of income of people living near the volcano?
A. farming
B. fishing
C. tourist guide
D. all of the above

fragments.

Volcanic eruption is a natural

phenomena which happens when lava and gas
LESSON 3
 are discharged from a volcanic vent. Volcanic eruption can cause damages to properties, crops,
and people. It is one of the most destructive calamity that could happen. Some of its common
manifestations are ash fall, lahar, lava flow, ash cloud emissions or Figure 1. Mt. Pinatubo Eruption
combination of those.
One of the most destructive eruption that ever happened in the Philippines is the 1991 Mt. Pinatubo
Eruption, which is caller as one of the most powerful and well-documented eruption of the 20 th century.
When it erupted last 1991, it spewed out 10 billion tons of magma and ash, and 20 million tons of sulfur
dioxide. The resulting ash fall buried some parts of Pampanga under 10 feet of ash. This eruption is also
said to cause a global cooling of temperature of about 0.5 degrees celsius.
Our country has more than a hundred volcanoes as of 2013.There are several ways by which
volcanoes can be classified. PHIVOLCS, have adapted a system where the Philippine volcanoes as Active
or Inactive.
Active Volcano
An active volcano is a volcano that has had at least one eruption during the past 10,000 years. An active
volcano might be erupting or dormant. An erupting volcano is an active volcano that is having an eruption...
A dormant volcano is an active volcano that is not erupting, but supposed to erupt again. There are twenty-
three active volcanoes in the country according to PHIVOLCS.
List of Active Volcanoes in the Philippines

Name of Volcano Province

Babuyan Claro Babuyan Island Group, Cagayan in Luzon

Banahaw Boundaries of Laguna and Quezon in Luzon

Biliran (Anas) Leyte in Visayas

Bud Dajo Sulu in Mindanao

Bulusan Sorsogon, Bicol Region in Luzon

Cabalian Southern Leyte in Visayas

Cagua Cagayan in Luzon

Camiguin de Babuyan Island Group, Cagayan in Luzon

Babuyanes
Didicas Babuyan Island Group, Cagayan in Luzon

Hibok-Hibok Camiguin in Mindanao

Iraya Batan Island, Batanes in Luzon

Iriga Camarines Sur in Luzon

Isarog Camarines Sur in Luzon

Kanlaon Negros Oriental

Leonard Kniaseff Davao del Norte

Makaturing Lanao del Sur

Matumtum Cotobato in Mindanao

Mayon Albay, Bicol Region in Luzon

Musuan ( Calayo) Bukidnon in Mindanao

Parker South Cotobato/General Santos/ North

Cotabato/Sarangani Provinces in Mindanao
Pinatubo Boundaries of Pampanga, Tarlac and Zambales in Luzon

Ragang Lanao del Sur and Cotobato in Mindanao

Smith Babuyan Island Group, Cagayan in Luzon

Taal Batangas in Luzon

Inactive Volcano
An inactive volcano is one that could erupt but has not erupted for more than 10,000 years. Inactive
volcanoes are also called extinct or sleeping volcanoes. Inactive volcanoes are expected to erupt again at
some point, despite being dormant for thousands of years. Volcanoes with no record of eruptions are
considered as extinct or inactive. Their physical form since their last activity has been altered by agents of
weathering and erosion with the formation of deep and long gullies. Inactive does not necessarily indicate
the volcano will not erupt again. One example is Mount Pinatubo had no recorded historical eruption before
its cataclysmic 1991 eruption.
Some examples of inactive volcanoes in the Philippines
Name of Volcano Province
Anilao Hill Batangas
Mt Batuan Sorsogon
Mt. Urot Sulu
Mt. Tamburok Leyte
Mt. Cabaluyan Pangasinan

ACTIVITIES
Lesson 3: Activity No. 1 Active and Inactive Volcanoes
Directions: Based on the given statements, determine if it described an active or inactive volcano.
Description Active or Inactive

1. No recorded of eruptions.

2. Having erupted within historical times.

3. There are 355 volcanoes with no record of activity, according to

PHIVOLCS.

4. Having erupted within the last 10,000 years.

5. Mt. Mayon and Taal are some examples of these volcano.

6. There are 23 recorded volcanic activities in the

Philippines

7. They are considered extinct.

8. Has not had an eruption for at least 10,000 years.

9. They are considered erupting or dormant.

10. Mt. Urot and Batuan are some examples of these volcano.

Guide Questions:
1. What is the difference between active from inactive volcano?
__________________________________________________________________________________
2. How do you know if the volcano is active?
__________________________________________________________________________________
Closure:
Can inactive volcanoes become active again?

WRAP – UP
Make a concept map to distinguish Active from Inactive Volcano.
 Volcano

Active
• • Inactive

• •
•
•

VALUING

Lesson 3; Activity No. 2 Be Prepared

Undeniably, the Philippines is a home for many active volcanoes
making the Philippines prone to volcanic eruption. Recently, Taal
Volcano erupted causing massive ash fall on neighboring provinces
which impose threats on public health. The government of Pasig City
donated cash and food supplies to the Taal Volcano eruption victims.
1. As a student, what measures can you recommend to LGUs to
minimize the effects of volcanic eruption?

2. When a volcano erupt, what preventive measures and precautions can you advise to those people
living near a volcano?
__________________________________________________________________________________
3. After an eruption, what should people do especially those who are living on danger zones?
__________________________________________________________________________________

POST - TEST

Choose the letter of the best answer. Write the chosen letter on a separate sheet of paper.
1. Which of the following described an Inactive volcano?
A. A volcano is that is having an eruption.
B. A volcano might be erupting or dormant.
C.A volcano that could erupt but has not erupted for more than 10,000 years
D.A volcano that has had at least one eruption during the past 10,000 years.
2. What is the basis of classifying volcano as active or inactive?
A. shape C. style of eruption
B. location D. volcanic activity
3. The following are examples of active volcanoes in the Philippines EXCEPT ONE.
A. Mt. Urot C. Mt. Mayon
B. Mt. Taal D. Mt. Kanlaon
4. How many active volcanoes found in the Philippines, according to PHIVOLCS.
A. 10 C. 23
B. 15 D. 5O
5. When a volcano erupt, what suggestion can you give to those people living near in the area.
A. use a mask
B. stay outdoor
C. watch an ash fall
D. go to a near hot spring
 LESSON 4
Our country is blessed with so many land features such as mountains and volcanoes.
These features can be sources of different minerals or can be used for agricultural purposes.
Have you had the chance to visit the sacred, majestic, and world-renowned Mayon Volcano?
The renowned Mayon Volcano is located in Albay in Bicol Region on the large island of
Luzon in the Philippine which is known for its fertile soils on Earth used by the locals to grow
their crops, cultivation of which has produced abundant food and fostered civilizations and
heat energy in the interior is tapped to produce geothermal energy converted into electricity.

Figure 1 . A majestic view of Mayon Volcano

Have you ever wondered how does a volcano erupts, how magma is formed, what are the
composition of the magma and what are the factors that could greatly affect its volcanic
activity? Well if your answer is YES, then this module will help you find the answer to your
question.
How does magma form?
Magma is a semi-liquid rock, crystallized minerals, dissolved gases, and extremely hot liquid
form found beneath the surface of the earth. Scientists believe that magma exists in other
terrestrial planets in and beyond our solar system. Much of the planets mantle is made
largely of magma. This magma can push through holes or cracks in the crust causing
volcanic eruptions. When magma is ejected out of the volcano, it is called lava. When it
cools and solidifies, it is known as igneous rocks. The temperature of magma ranges from
1,292° and 2,372° Fahrenheit.
The Earth is made of the different layers consists of the inner core, outer core, mantle, and
crust. Magma is formed in the lower portion of the crust but above the mantle. The difference
in temperature, structural formation, and pressure in the crust and the mantle allows magma
to form in several ways.

The formation of magma through decompression melting involves the movement of the
earth's mantle. The movement of the mantle creates lower pressure points that experience a
low melting point. The rocks in this section melt to form magma. This process of magma
formation is common in divergent boundaries where the separation of tectonic plates occurs.

Magma is also created when hot liquid rock is forced from the highly pressurized core to the
crust. The liquid rocks lose heat to the surrounding rocks which also melt in the process. The
formation of magma by heat transfer also occurs at convergent boundaries when tectonic
plates crash into each other. When the denser plate subducts below the less dense plate,
hot rocks from below rises into the cooler areas above the subducting plate resulting in the
formation of magma.

The formation of magma by flux melting occurs when carbon dioxide and water are
added to rocks. These two compounds significantly reduce the melting point of rocks
resulting in the formation of magma in places that it would have otherwise existed as
igneous rocks.
Composition of Magma
Magma contains a mixture of gases and simple elements. Magmas vary widely in their
chemical composition but in general, they are made up of only eight elements: oxygen,
silicon, aluminum, iron, calcium, sodium, magnesium, potassium, and other trace elements.
The most abundant element in magma is oxygen, which comprises almost half of the total,
followed by silicon at just over one-quarter, and the remaining elements make up the other
one-quarter. Magmas extracted from crustal materials are highly dominated by oxygen,
silicon, aluminum, sodium, and
potassium.

The composition of magma depends on the rock it was formed from (by melting), and
the conditions of that melting. Magmas derived from the mantle have higher levels of iron,
magnesium, and calcium, but they are still likely to be dominated by oxygen and silicon. All
magmas have varying proportions of elements such as hydrogen, carbon, and sulfur, which
are converted into gases like water vapor, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen sulfide as the
magma cools.

Figure 2. Average elemental proportions in Earth’s crust, which is close to the

average composition of magmas within the crust.

Types of Magma

Silicon and oxygen are the most abundant; geologists, therefore, define magma in
terms of the silica and gas content, viscosity, and temperature.

Mafic(basaltic) magma has low silica content but higher contents of magnesium and
iron. It also has a low content of gas and viscosity. Its temperature is relatively high at
between 1,000° and 1,200° Celsius. Mafic magma does not erupt explosively but it instead
flows out of volcanoes and moves quickly on the surface. It turns into basalt when it cools.

Intermediate(andesitic) magma has a high gas and silica content. Its temperature
is between 800° to 1000° Celsius resulting in a higher viscosity than mafic magma. Because
of the high viscosity, intermediate magma builds up in magma chambers below the surface
before exploding violently as lava.

Felsic(rhyolitic) magma has the highest silica and gas content. It also has the
highest viscosity because of the low temperatures of between 650° and 800° Celsius.
Chambers of felsic magma trap gas bubbles that result in massive explosions that blow
peaks off mountains.

Table 1. Magma Composition and Characteristics

Composition Viscosity Gas Silica Explosiveness Location of
Content Content Magma

Basaltic Low 1-2 % About 50 Least Both oceanic and

Magma % continental crust
Andesitic Intermedi 3-4% About 60 Interme diate Continental
Magma ate % margins associated
 with subduction
zones
Rhyolitic High 4-6% About 70 Greatest Continental crust
Magma %

What determines the nature of eruption? The primary factors affecting volcanic eruption are
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. Viscosity is the property of the
material’s resistance to flow. It is also described as the liquid’s thickness and stickiness. The more
viscous and thicker the material is, the greater is its resistance to flow.
Let us discuss how each factor affects the viscosity of magma. First, let’s look into
how the 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. As lava
flows, it cools and begins to harden, its ability to flow decreases, and eventually, it stops.

Next, let’s 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 3.
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 as shown in Figure 3.

Lava with less silica content has low viscosity

that it can travel a great distance, forming a
thin sheet.

Lava with high silica content is too

viscous to travel far and te nds to
break up as it flows.

Lava with low amount of gas and high

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

Lava with low amount of gas as it

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

Figure 3. Viscosity of Magma at different conditions (Source: Project EASE Module 12)

The next activities will give you a first-hand idea about the formation of magma, the
composition of the magma, and the factors affecting the viscosity of magma.

ACTIVITIES

Lesson 4: Activity No.1: Formation and Composition of Magma

Direction: A. Write T if the statement is true. If false, change the underlined word or phrase
to make it correct.
___________________1. The formation of magma through decompression melting involves
the movement of the earth's crust.
___________________2. When magma is ejected out of the volcano, it is called lava.
___________________3. When the denser plate subducts below the less dense plate, hot
rocks from below rises into the cooler areas above the subducting plate resulting in the
formation of magma.
___________________4. The formation of magma by flux melting occurs when oxygen and
water are added to rocks.
___________________5. When a lava cools and solidifies, it is known as igneous rocks.
B. Choose the symbol of the elements and compounds that makes up the composition of the
magma. Write your answer on the circles provided.

CHOICES

Si Fr Fe Na O Al Ca K Mg He Zn Mo
2
SiO Al 2 O 3 NH 4 CO 2
BaO

Module No 4: Activity No.2: Go with the flow!

Liquids flow and take the shape of the container into which they are poured. Some
liquids feel “thin” and flow quickly, while others feel “thick” and flow slowly. This property of
resistance to flow is called viscosity. Naruto tested the viscosity of different liquids by pouring
each one into a tall glass and timing how long it took for a small lump of modeling clay to
drop to the bottom.
Direction: Using the chart below, number the liquids in order of their viscosity. Write 1 for
the least viscous liquid and 7 for the most viscous.
Liquid Time taken (for modeling Order
clay to fall to the bottom of (1-7)
the glass) 1-least viscous
7- most viscous
Water 2 seconds
Vegetable oil 5 seconds
Olive oil 7.5 seconds
Nail polish remover 1 second
Golden syrup 95 seconds
Motor oil 18 seconds
Dishwashing liquid 10 seconds

Guide Questions:

1. Which liquid is the most viscous? How do you know?

2. Which liquid is the least viscous? How do you know?
3. Explain viscosity in your own words.
4. Compare how these liquids flow with how you think lava flows. Why do some types of
lava travel faster than others?
 5. How does composition affect the viscosity of magma?

WRAP -UP

To summarize what you have learned, complete the graphic organizer.

1. __________________
Ways of 2. _________________
Magma
3. _________________
Formation

Magma Elements :
Composition
of the
Magma

Factors 1. __________________
Affecting the
Viscosity of
2. _________________
Magma 3. _________________

VALUING
Lesson 4: Activity 2: Why do people still live next to an active volcano?

Volcanoes affect people in many ways, some are good, some are not. Some of the
negative effects are that houses, buildings, roads, and fields can get covered with ash. It can
also cause loss of lives and properties. Knowing the danger of active volcanoes, why do you
think still people live next to them? How does it affect society as a whole? What are the
things to be remembered when you’re living near a volcano?
Figure 5. Scene-with-volcano-and-cavehouse

POSTTEST
Read and answer the following questions. Encircle the letter of the best answer.
1. During a volcanic eruption, magma is ejected out of the volcano. Which of the
following BEST describes a magma?
A. Magma are gases given off by active volcanoes.
B. Magma is a molten rock that breaks through the Earth’s surface.
C. Magma is rock fragments and particles ejected by a volcanic eruption.
D. Magma is an extremely hot liquid and semi-liquid rock located under the Earth’s
surface.
2. Magmas vary widely in their chemical composition. Which of the following is the most
abundant element in magma?
A. Aluminum B. Magnesium C. Oxygen D. Silicon
3. Viscosity is the property of the material’s resistance to flow. It is also described as the
liquid’s thickness and stickiness. Which of the following factors greatly affects the
viscosity of magma?
A. pressure, silica content, tephra emission, and altitude
B. temperature, silica content, and amount of dissolved gases
C. temperature, surface currents, pressure, and silica content
D. temperature, pressure, altitude, and amount of dissolved gases
4. The temperature of magma greatly affects its viscosity. How will you describe the
relationship between temperature and viscosity?
A. The lower the temperature of magma is, the lower is its viscosity.
B. The higher the temperature of magma is, the lower is its viscosity.
C. The higher the temperature of magma is, the higher is its viscosity.
D. The temperature and viscosity of magma are not related to each other.
5. Silica content mainly affects the explosiveness of a volcanic eruption. Which of the
following statements describes the negative effect of volcanic eruption? A. A volcanic
eruption can cause loss of lives and properties.
B. People became creative by making earthenware out of the ashfall from the
volcanic eruption.
C. The lava and ash from the eruption break down to provide valuable nutrients for
the soil.
D. The strong winds during volcanic eruption spread the aerosol particles from the
plume around the globe and result in the measurable cooling of the Earth’s
surface.

Credits to: Department of Education