Explain the characteristics and differences between the lava types

In the composition of lava/magma, the concentration of silicon is the key determinant on how viscous the lava is. The more silicon magma/lava contains, the more viscous it is. This also determines eruption styles and volcano shapes.

BASALTIC LAVA originates mainly from the upward movement of the mantle. They are commonly found along spreading ridges, but are also located at hotspots and plumes. Basaltic lava is not very viscous, and so flows away from its source. This is normally in the form…