Final answer:
Basaltic (mafic) lava has less silica than rhyolite (felsic) lava, making it less viscous and capable of flowing quickly over long distances. It tends to erupt less explosively and is a major component of Earth's oceanic crust. Large, fast-moving basaltic lava flows are exemplified by those in Hawaii.
Step-by-step explanation:
Basaltic (mafic) lava is characterized by a lower silica content compared to rhyolite (felsic) lava. This makes basaltic lava less viscous and therefore more fluid and capable of flowing quickly and covering greater distances. The lower viscosity also means that basaltic lava tends to erupt less explosively than high-silica, more viscous lavas like rhyolite. However, as with all volcanic eruptions, the level of explosiveness can vary based on multiple factors, including the amount of dissolved gases in the magma and the presence of water which can increase the explosive potential.
Basalt is commonly found in oceanic crust and is produced by the cooling of lava. It makes up most of Earth's oceanic crust and is associated with extensive volcanic activity. Basalt has a fine-grained texture and forms from the rapid cooling of lava at the surface, known as extrusive or volcanic igneous rock. Due to its fluidity, basaltic lava can form large lava flows, such as those found in Hawaii, which are capable of moving over distances greater than 20 kilometers.