What are the different types of magma?

Basaltic magma is the most fluid of the three types of magma, though it is still 10,000 to 100,000 times less fluid than water. It also has the lowest amount of gas of the three types. Basalt magma is found at Earth's "hot spots," such as Hawaii. read more

Different magma types behave differently as lava flows, depending on their temperature, viscosity, and gas content. Lava Flows Pahoehoe Flows - Basaltic lava flows with low viscosity start to cool when exposed to the low temperature of the atmosphere. read more

3 Types of Magma Basaltic – low silica content, low viscosity (thin & runny), gases escape easily (not trapped), non-explosive eruptions (most likely shield cone volcanoes have this type). Andesitic – a medium level of silica content, intermediate viscosity, intermediate explosiveness. read more