Researchers used experiments and computer simulations to study bubble formation in magma. Until now people thought bubbles form when ambient pressure drops as magma rises and gases escape, like in a bottle of champagne.
The team found another cause: shear forces in the conduit. Shear is the speed difference between the conduit centre and the walls. Bubbles can grow and join deep in the conduit and form channels. These channels let gas escape early and allow calm lava flows. The study mentions Mount St. Helens and the Chilean volcano Quizapu as examples.
Difficult words
- volcano — A mountain that can erupt with lava and gas.volcanoes
- explode — To burst suddenly and violently.
- magma — Hot liquid rock inside a volcano.
- bubbles — Small round pockets of gas in a liquid.
- pressure — The force applied on an area.
- flow — To move or come out steadily.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- What do you think happens to magma when it erupts violently?
- How do you think gas bubbles affect the formation of volcanoes?
- Can you relate this information about volcanoes to any other natural events?
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