What are the types of volcanic eruptions?

Volcanic eruptions are categorized into three main types based on their driving mechanisms: magmatic, phreatic, and phreatomagmatic eruptions. Within these broad categories, volcanologists distinguish several subtypes ranging from mild effusive and Strombolian behaviors to powerful Plinian and ultra-Plinian explosions. These events are often measured using the Volcanic Explosivity Index.

What we know

• Magmatic eruptions involve the decompression of gas within magma that propels it forward, while phreatic eruptions are driven by the superheating of steam due to the close proximity of magma. [2]
• Strombolian eruptions consist of the ejection of incandescent scoria to altitudes of tens to a few hundreds of metres with sporadic violence, and are typically named after the Italian volcano Stromboli. [3]
• Phreatomagmatic eruptions are driven by the direct interaction of magma and water, as opposed to phreatic eruptions where no fresh magma reaches the surface. [2]
• An effusive eruption is a type of volcanic eruption in which lava steadily flows out of a volcano onto the ground. [5]

Where to go next

• a case in pointWhat happens during a Strombolian eruption?
• compared withHow does an effusive eruption differ from explosive ones?
• what caused itWhat causes an explosive volcanic eruption?
• how it workedHow is the Volcanic Explosivity Index calculated?
• the bigger pictureWhat is a volcanic vent?
• an unexpected connectionHow does Mount Stromboli connect to ancient history?The Italian volcano Stromboli has been erupting continuously for over two thousand years, earning it the ancient Roman nickname 'Lighthouse of the Mediterranean.'

Sources

• [1]volcanic eruption (Wikidata Q7692360) · CC0 1.0
• [2]Volcanic eruption · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [3]Strombolian eruption · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [4]Explosive eruption · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [5]Effusive eruption · CC BY-SA 4.0