🔥 How do volcanic eruptions work?
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A volcanic eruption starts when the pressure in the magma chamber rises and the magma is pushed through cracks toward the surface. Depending on the magma's composition, gas content, and viscosity, eruptions differ:
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- Effusive eruptions: Liquid magma (e.g., basalt) flows quietly out (like in shield volcanoes).
- Explosive eruptions: Gas-rich, thick magma (e.g., andesite, rhyolite) causes powerful explosions (like in stratovolcanoes).
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During an eruption, not only lava but also ash, gases, and pyroclastic flows are produced, which pose great dangers to people and nature.
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⚙ eruption