Part C - Eruption intensity at different plate boundaries The intensity of volca

Question

Part C - Eruption intensity at different plate boundaries The intensity of volcanic eruptions is mainly determined by the viscosity and water content of their magmas. The pressure of a magma drops as it rises towards the surface, which causes the water it contains to boil. If the magma has a low viscosity, then the water vapor will separate from the magma and seep out of the ground through a vent. However, if the magma has a high viscosity, then the water vapor will be unable to separate from the magma, and bubbles of water vapor will accumulate in the magma. The bubbles will expand rapidly when the magma erupts from the volcano and tear the magma apart, flinging fragments up into the air. Mafic magmas have a low viscosity and tend to ooze out of the ground rather than erupt violently. Felsic magmas have a high viscosity and tend to erupt violently. Keep in mind, though, that the intensity of a volcanic eruption also depends on the water content of the magma. A watery intermediate magma with an intermediate viscosity can erupt more violently than a dry felsic magma with high viscosity since the dry felsic magma will not form many bubbles due to its small amount of water. Arrange the plate boundaries in terms of the intensity of their volcanic eruptions. Rank from highest intensity to lowest intensity View Available Hint(s)

Explanation / Answer

Answer: From lowest to highest intensity:

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