This image shows a volcanic eruption in Hawaii with lava flowing into the sea.

Question

Which statement best describes this eruption?

Its magma is high in silica.
Its magma has low viscosity.
Its gases are released in rapid bursts.
Its lava came from an explosive eruption.

Answer 1

The statement that best describes a volcanic eruption in Hawaii, particularly one characterized by lava flowing into the sea, is:

Its magma has low viscosity.

Hawaiian eruptions are typically basaltic, which means they have low silica content and low viscosity. This allows the magma to flow easily, creating the shield volcanoes and the flowing lava seen in Hawaiian eruptions.