Volcanic Eruptions
Describe pyroclastic materials and lava
What is pyroclastic material?
The five types of pyroclastic material
When lava ejects out of a volcano it throws out large clots, which is a lot of lava stuck together. When the lava barely ejects it is burning hot. However, as it spins through the air it cools and develops a round or spindle shape. This pyroclastic material is in known as Volcanic bombs. There are large pyroclastic materials that form from solid rock that is blasted from the vent, they are called Volcanic blocks. They can be as big as a small house.
Volcanic ash
Volcanic ash are Pyroclastic particles that are less than 2 mm in diameter.
Volcanic dust
Volcanic dust is volcanic ash that is less than 0.25 mm in diameter.
Lapilli
Lapilli is from a Latin word that means "little stones".
Volcanic bombs
Volcanic blocks
What are the three types of mafic magma?
Pahoehoe lava
This type of lava has quiet eruptions and has a smooth surface. It is the least viscous type of mafic lava.
Aa lava
This type of lava has a rough surface and has quiet eruptions. It is also more viscous than pahoehoe lava.
Blocky lava
This type of lava forms chunky volcanic rock when it cools and is the most viscous type of mafic lava.