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In general, which of the following types of magma will be more likely to erupt explosively?

A) a highly viscous felsic magma
B) a relatively low viscosity mafic magma
C) an intermediate andesitic magma with a low water content
D) a very fluid komatiitic magma

1 Answer

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Final answer:

A highly viscous felsic magma is more likely to erupt explosively due to its high silica content, which traps gases and leads to pressure build-up.

Step-by-step explanation:

Among the types of magma listed, a highly viscous felsic magma would be more likely to erupt explosively. Felsic magmas, like rhyolite, have higher viscosity due to their high silica content. This viscosity prevents gases from escaping easily, leading to pressure build-up. When the pressure is released explosively, it can cause a highly explosive eruption. In contrast, low viscosity magmas, such as mafic and komatiitic types, allow gases to escape more readily and thus tend to produce less explosive eruptions.

User Martin Vrkljan
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