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  • Basalt vs. Rhyolite Lava: Understanding Viscosity & Flow
    Basaltic lava is less viscous than rhyolitic lava.

    Viscosity is a measure of a fluid's resistance to flow. The higher the viscosity, the thicker and more resistant to flow the fluid is.

    Basaltic lava is typically characterized by:

    * Lower silica content: This results in a lower viscosity, making it flow more easily.

    * Higher temperature: The higher temperature reduces the viscosity of the lava.

    Rhyolitic lava is typically characterized by:

    * Higher silica content: This leads to a higher viscosity, making it flow more slowly.

    * Lower temperature: The lower temperature increases the viscosity of the lava.

    In summary:

    * Basaltic lava: Low viscosity, flows easily.

    * Rhyolitic lava: High viscosity, flows slowly.

    Therefore, basaltic lava is less viscous than rhyolitic lava.

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