What type of magma makes a composite volcano?

Andesitic magma
Composite volcanoes have the following characteristics: Andesitic magma, which is lower in temperature, has more silica and a lot of dissolved gases and is more likely to explode when it reaches the surface. Acidic lava, which is very viscous (sticky). Steep sides as the lava doesn’t flow very far before it solidifies.

What type of lava does a composite have?

Acidic lava
Composite volcanoes have the following characteristics: Acidic lava, which is very viscous (sticky). Steep sides as the lava doesn’t flow very far before it solidifies. Alternate layers of ash and lava.

Where does magma come from in a composite volcano?

Composite volcanoes are fed by a conduit system which taps into a reservoir of magma deep within the Earth. This magma can erupt out of several vents across the composite volcano’s flanks, or from a large central crater at the summit of the volcano.

What type of eruption does a composite volcano have?

Composite volcanoes are tall, steep cones that produce explosive eruptions. Shield volcanoes form very large, gently sloped mounds from effusive eruptions.

Are composite volcanoes made of andesitic lava?

Shield volcanoes are formed by basaltic magma, typically above a mantle plume, whereas the stratovolcanoes (sometimes referred to as composite volcanoes) are formed by andesitic/rhyolitic magma.

Are composite volcanoes explosive?

Composite volcanoes are tall, steep cones that produce explosive eruptions.

What do composite volcanoes and shield volcanoes have in common?

Shield volcanoes erupt quietly. Explosive stratovolcanoes, or composite volcanoes, have steep, symmetrical, conical shapes built up over time by alternating layers of lava flows, volcanic ash, cinders and other volcanic particles. A central vent or cluster of vents is at the summit.

Why are composite volcanoes so explosive?

Composite volcanoes are made of felsic to intermediate rock. The viscosity of the lava means that eruptions at these volcanoes are often explosive (Figure below). The viscous lava cannot travel far down the sides of the volcano before it solidifies, which creates the steep slopes of a composite volcano.

Which type of magma will produce the most explosive volcanic eruption?

Explosive eruptions are favored by high gas content & high viscosity magmas (andesitic to rhyolitic magmas). The explosive bursting of bubbles fragments the magma into clots of liquid that cool as they fall through the air. These solid particles become pyroclasts or volcanic ash.

Why do composite volcanoes have explosive eruptions?

Composite volcanoes are some of the most dangerous volcanoes on the planet. The viscous lava cannot travel far down the sides of the volcano before it solidifies, which creates the steep slopes of a composite volcano. Viscosity also causes some eruptions to explode as ash and small rocks.

What is andesitic magma?

Andesite is a gray to black volcanic rock with between about 52 and 63 weight percent silica (SiO2). Andesite magma can also generate strong explosive eruptions to form pyroclastic flows and surges and enormous eruption columns. Andesites erupt at temperatures between 900 and 1100 ° C.