Multiple choice

Which of the following statements are correct?

  1. Basic lava is less viscous.
  2. Basic lava has large silica content.
  3. Acidic lava is more viscous.
  4. Acidic lava has less silica content.

  1. Only 1 and 2

  2. Only 1 and 3

  3. Only 2 and 3

  4. Only 2 and 4
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Lava refers both to molten rock expelled by a volcano during an eruption and the resulting rock after solidification and cooling. In general, the composition of lava determines its behaviour more than the temperature of its eruption. Acid lava comes from composite cone volcanoes, is slow moving and viscous. Basic lava comes from shield volcanoes, is runny and flows faster. Acidic lava is felsic, or high in quartz and potassium feldspars. Basic lava is mafic and higher in plagioclase feldspar.

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