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How are volcanoes different?

Dangerous Volcanoes

Ever noticed that some volcanoes, like Mauna Loa in Hawaii, are reasonably well-behaved, while others, like Mt. St. Helens are dangerously explosive?

The difference lies in the type of lava involved. Oceanic volcanoes produce lava that flows more easily and doesn't build up as much pressure inside the volcano. Continental volcanoes, on the other hand, produce a thicker, more viscous magma that flows poorly, and tends to build up pressure inside the volcano and could blow its top.

Comments

11/12/2007 1:22:29 PM
michael said:

I think mauna loa in hawii is not as dangerous becase it was formed on islands

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