Lava Composition of Different Volcanoes

Hawaiian Volcanic Eruption

• Hawaiian volcanic eruptions are characterized by the basaltic magma that is contained inside the volcano. Basaltic magma is high in iron, calcium and magnesium and is low in potassium and sodium. Basaltic magma reaches temperatures of 1832 degrees to 2192 degrees Fahrenheit. The lava that flows from a Hawaiian volcano is ordinarily thin and Hawaiian volcanoes are considered to be non-explosive. The Kilauea volcano is an example of a Hawaiian volcanic eruption.

Strombolian Volcanic Eruption

• Strombolian volcanic eruptions are known to have a mix of basaltic and andesitic magma. This magma has a high to medium concentration of iron, magnesium, sodium, potassium and calcium. This type of volcano is known for producing lava bombs and is considered mildly explosive. Cinder cones can be formed during a Strombolian eruption with lava flowing from the bases of the cones. The Stromboli volcano off of the western coast of Italy is an example of a Strombolian volcanic explosion.

Vulcanian Volcanic Eruption

• The Vulcanian category of volcanic eruption is composed of andesitic and rhyolitic magma, meaning it has a medium to low concentration of iron, magnesium and calcium but a medium to high concentration of potassium and sodium. Vulcanian volcanic eruptions are known to be very explosive and erupt solid to viscous lava. The Vulcano volcano on the Lipari islands off the western coast of Italy is characteristic of a Vulcanian eruption.

Pelean Volcanic Eruption

• The Pelean volcanic eruption occurs when an andesitic or rhyolitic lava dome collapses. It produces a lava flow known as a block and ash flow, or a flow that contains both solid rocks and ash. The Pelean volcanic eruption is named for Mt. Pelee, a volcano located in the West Indies. The Pelean volcanic eruption causes an extremely violent volcanic eruption that can cause a tremendous amount of damage.