What is an effusive eruption?

An effusive eruption is a volcanic event where lava steadily flows out onto the ground rather than exploding violently. These eruptions are typically characterized by low-viscosity, high-temperature basaltic magmas with low gas content. Hawaiian eruptions are a common example of this style of volcanic activity.

What we know

• An effusive eruption is a type of volcanic eruption in which lava steadily flows out of a volcano onto the ground. [1, 2]
• Hawaiian eruptions are typically effusive eruptions featuring basaltic magmas of low viscosity, low gas content, and high temperature. [4]
• Effusive eruptions produce very small amounts of volcanic ash. [4]

Where to go next

• a case in pointWhat causes a Hawaiian eruption?
• the bigger pictureHow do volcanic eruptions differ in type?
• how it workedWhat is the Volcanic Explosivity Index?
• what caused itHow do basaltic magmas affect lava flow?
• whereWhich volcanoes are famous for effusive activity?
• an unexpected connectionHow do hotspot volcanoes create gentle lava flows?Hotspot volcanoes like Kīlauea are widely known for dramatic tectonic settings, yet they commonly produce gentle effusive eruptions with low-viscosity basalt.

Sources

• [1]effusive eruption (Wikidata Q1296340) · CC0 1.0
• [2]Effusive eruption · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [3]List of volcanic eruptions in the 21st century · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [4]Hawaiian eruption · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [5]Volcanic eruption · CC BY-SA 4.0