Question

Is pyroclastic material likely to form from low-viscosity lava or high- viscosity lava?

Answer 1

Answer: Pyroclastic material is more likely to form in high-viscosity lava than low-viscosity lava.

Explanation: This is because as magma rises, it decreases in pressure, causing the fluid trapped in the magma to form gas bubbles. However, because the magma has a high viscosity, these bubbles cannot escape easily. As the bubbles expand, the solidified lava pieces, volcanic ash, and hot gases (pyroclastic material), rise faster.

Answer 2

Pyroclastic materials are clouds of ash, vapor, and lava fragments carried through the air. When this occurs during a volcanic eruption it produces low-viscosity lava. Viscosity refers to the thickness of materials and its resistance to flow. When pyroclastic materials sore through the air they are very hot and they move rapidly because vapor provides its buoyancy. Due to its general make-up, these materials are capable for destroying life and property within their paths and can extend miles away from the volcano.