Re: when a sheild volcano errupts how fast dose the lava flow?

Date: Tue Feb 23 13:46:37 1999
Posted By: Joe Renda, Grad student, Geology, SUNY Albany
Area of science: Earth Sciences
ID: 917022343.Es

Message:


The speed at which lava flows down the side of a volcano depends on the
visicosity.  Which is dependant on the amount of silica (SiO2) in the
lava.  If I remember correctly, if there is a high amount of SiO2(70%)it
will become more viscus, moving slowly (say in the 5 mph range).  But if it
has lower SiO2 (50%)(high viscosity)it will move much more quickly (~30
mph).  

Also check out the Volcano World web page, there might be some more info
there.

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