If gases escape easily, lava viscosity is?

If gases escape easily, lava viscosity is?

• A. High
• B. Low
• C. Medium
• D. None

Answer: (B)

Gases escaping easily is a sign of low magma viscosity. When the magma is thin and flows readily, dissolved gases can escape as it moves, so pressure doesn’t build up as much and the eruption tends to be effusive rather than explosive. In contrast, high-viscosity magma traps gases, allowing pressure to accumulate and often leading to violent explosions. So, if gases escape easily, the lava is low in viscosity.

Gases escaping easily is a sign of low magma viscosity. When the magma is thin and flows readily, dissolved gases can escape as it moves, so pressure doesn’t build up as much and the eruption tends to be effusive rather than explosive. In contrast, high-viscosity magma traps gases, allowing pressure to accumulate and often leading to violent explosions. So, if gases escape easily, the lava is low in viscosity.