Question

List three factors that determine the nature of a volcanic eruption. What role does each play?

a) Volcano shape, magma temperature, and atmospheric pressure. Shape controls eruption style, temperature affects lava viscosity, and pressure influences eruption intensity.
b) Magma viscosity, volcanic gases, and geological location. Viscosity affects eruption style, gases impact explosiveness, and location determines eruption type.
c) Proximity to the equator, rainfall, and wind direction. Equator proximity affects eruption frequency, rainfall influences eruption timing, and wind direction controls ash distribution.
d) Seismic activity, moon phases, and ocean currents. Seismic activity triggers eruptions, moon phases affect eruption visibility, and ocean currents distribute volcanic products.

Answer 1

The nature of a volcanic eruption is determined by three factors: volcano shape, magma temperature, and atmospheric pressure. Volcano shape controls eruption style, magma temperature affects lava viscosity, and atmospheric pressure influences eruption intensity.

Step-by-step explanation:

The three factors that determine the nature of a volcanic eruption are volcano shape, magma temperature, and atmospheric pressure. Each factor plays a role in different aspects of the eruption.

1. Volcano shape: Volcano shape controls the eruption style. For example, a volcano with steep sides and a narrow vent may have explosive eruptions, while a volcano with gentle slopes and a wide vent may have effusive eruptions.
2. Magma temperature: Magma temperature affects lava viscosity. Higher temperature magmas have lower viscosity, resulting in more fluid lava flows, while lower temperature magmas have higher viscosity, resulting in more explosive eruptions.
3. Atmospheric pressure: Atmospheric pressure influences eruption intensity. Lower pressure at higher elevations can result in more explosive eruptions, while higher pressure at lower elevations can result in less explosive eruptions.