Explain why a rhyolitic lava flow is more viscous than a basaltic lava flow
What will be an ideal response?
Answer: Viscosity is dependent primarily on temperature and silica content. The more silica in the magma, the greater the viscosity. Since rhyolitic flows are high in potassium, sodium, and high silica content (~70%) they have a much higher resistance to flow. Basaltic flows have a much lower silica content (~50%). Applying heat to a fluid makes the substance more fluid thus increasing its mobility.
You might also like to view...
Approximately what percentage of plant starch is amylopectin?
A) 10 to 15% B) 20 to 25% C) 75 to 80% D) 85 to 90%
Sea levels at the New York tide gage have varied greatly from year to year because of
A) weather conditions. B) rising and falling of local land forms. C) melting and freezing of arctic ice. D) changes in tides due to the gravity of other planets.
Which of the following is NOT a common type of volcano?
A. composite cone B. mesa C. shield D. dome
What causes a tsunami? What has been the most destructive tsunami in recent history? How could the loss of life and property have been minimized?