176k views
2 votes
There are two types of basic eruptions: Quiet and Violent. Describe the difference between the two.

User Zourbuth
by
7.6k points

1 Answer

3 votes

Final answer:

Quiet eruptions result in gentle lava flows with low hazards, typical of Hawaiian volcanoes, while violent eruptions are explosive, generating ash clouds and pyroclastic materials, common in Indonesian volcanoes.

Step-by-step explanation:

There are two primary types of volcanic eruptions: quiet and violent. Quiet eruptions tend to be less hazardous and are characterized by effusive lava flows, where lava gently pours out of a volcano and runs down its sides.

This type of eruption is common in areas like Hawaii, where the volcanoes produce basaltic lavas that are low in viscosity. Due to the low gas content and runny nature of the lava, these eruptions are less explosive.

In contrast, violent eruptions are explosive and can be extremely dangerous. They are usually associated with volcanoes found in places like Sumatra and Java, Indonesia. The lava in these eruptions is often high in silica and has a high viscosity, which prevents gases from escaping easily. As a result, pressure builds up until it is released in a significant explosive event. This can project pyroclastic materials, produce large ash clouds, and generate destructive pyroclastic flows.

User Sotapme
by
7.4k points