Question

Which volcanoes are more likely to explode, the ones with thick lava or thin lava? Why? What evidence do you have?

A) Thick lava; it traps gases, leading to explosive eruptions
B) Thin lava; it allows gases to escape, preventing explosive eruptions
C) Both thick and thin lava have equal chances of exploding
D) Neither thick nor thin lava is associated with explosive eruptions

Answer 1

Volcanoes with thick lava are more likely to explode as the trapped gases lead to explosive eruptions. Volcanoes with thin lava, such as those forming the Hawaiian Islands, allow gases to escape, preventing explosive eruptions.

Step-by-step explanation:

In general, volcanoes with thick lava are more likely to explode. The reason for this is that thicker lava has a higher viscosity, which makes it difficult for gases to escape. As a result, the gases become trapped and build up pressure, leading to explosive eruptions.

One example of a volcano with thick lava that is prone to explosive eruptions is Mount St. Helens in the United States. Its 1980 eruption was highly explosive and resulted in the eruption column reaching heights of around 24 kilometers. On the other hand, volcanoes with thin lava are less likely to explode. Thin lava has a lower viscosity, which means gases can easily escape. As a result, the pressure does not build up to the point of causing explosions.

The Hawaiian Islands are formed by volcanoes that have effusive eruptions, where thin lava flows down the sides of the volcano. These eruptions are not explosive and are less dangerous compared to explosive eruptions. Overall, evidence from volcanic activity suggests that volcanoes with thick lava are more likely to explode due to the trapping of gases, while volcanoes with thin lava allow gases to escape, preventing explosive eruptions.