Question

The volcano Izalco in El Salvador is a small, steep-sided volcano. What conclusions can be drawn about the characteristics of the lava that formed this volcano?

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Answer 1

A small, steep‑sided volcano implies the lava that built it was viscous and did not flow far from the vent. That means the lava was relatively cool and silica‑rich (andesitic to rhyolitic), likely gas‑rich and prone to explosive eruption, so material piled up near the vent to form steep slopes.