Viscosity of a magma is controlled by
A)the eruptive processes at work
B)the types and amounts of gases dissolved in the magma
C)the water content of the magma
D)temperature and silicon content of the magma

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The viscosity of magma is mainly controlled by its temperature and silicon content. The higher the temperature and lower the silicon content, the lower the viscosity. Conversely, the lower the temperature and higher the silicon content, the higher the viscosity. The types and amounts of gases dissolved in the magma and the water content can also have an effect, but these are considered secondary factors. The eruptive processes at work can cause changes in the viscosity, but they are not the primary control.

Viscosity of a Magma Is Controlled by