Updated By: LatestGKGS Desk
Volcanism: Andesitic, Basaltic Lava – Geyser,Spring, Definition, Facts, Details
Andesitic and Basaltic Lavas, Physical properties, Facts, and details
Andesitic
These lavas are highly viscous with a high melting point.
- They are light-colored, of low density, and have a high percentage of silica.
- They flow slowly and seldom travel far before solidifying. The resultant cone is therefore steep-sided.
Sometimes the lavas are so vicious that they form a spine or plug at the crater like that of Mt. Pelee in Martinique.
Basaltic
- These are the hottest lavas, about 1,000°C. (1,830°F.) and are highly fluid.
- They are dark colored like basalt, rich in iron and magnesium but poor in silica.
- They flow out of volcanic vent quietly and are not very explosive.
- Due to their high fluidity, they flow readily with a speed of 10 to 30 miles per hour.
Geysers and Hot Springs
- Almost all the world’s geysers are confined to three major areas: Iceland, New Zealand and Yellowstone Park of U.S.A.
- Iceland has thousands of hot springs. Some of them have been harnessed to heat houses, swimming pools and for other domestic purposes.
- Hot springs and geysers have become tourist attractions e.g. in Japan and Hawaii.
