Volcanic activity, particularly the eruption of Kilauea in Hawaii, is a frequent topic of discussion these days. Why not take this opportunity to clarify the ...

Q: Is all volcanic magma the same temperature? A: The temperature of magma inside a volcano — and of lava as it emerges — is highly variable and depends in part on the chemical composition of the ...

Continental arcs are generated when an oceanic plate dives (i.e. subducts) beneath continental crust, causing melting in the mantle and the formation of volcanoes on the overriding continent. In ...

However, the composition of the magma it contains—i.e., whether it is phonolitic, or more mafic—cannot be determined using seismic technology. But since Vesuvius has been producing mostly mafic magma ...