Magma Viscosity Explorer

MS-ESS2-2 & MS-ESS3-2: How magma properties affect eruption style

How to Use This Simulation
  1. Adjust the controls to change simulation variables
  2. Click Start to run Magma Viscosity Explorer - G7 C6 W3
  3. Observe the results in the display area
  4. Click Reset to try different settings
  5. Complete the Predict-Observe-Explain section below

Keyboard: Space/Enter = start/pause · R = reset · Esc = pause

How to Use This Simulation

  1. Adjust Silica Content to change magma composition (50% basalt to 70% rhyolite)
  2. Adjust Temperature to see how heat affects viscosity
  3. Adjust Gas Content to change dissolved gas levels
  4. Watch how bubbles behave in the magma chamber - do they escape or get trapped?
  5. Click "Erupt!" to see the eruption style (effusive vs explosive)

Magma Type: Basalt

Low silica, low viscosity - flows like warm honey

Eruption Style: Effusive

Gentle lava flows - gas escapes easily

50%
Basalt Andesite Rhyolite
1100°C
700°C 1200°C
Low
Low High

Flow Rate Visualization

Viscosity Data (Pa·s)

Silica % Viscosity Type
50% 10² - 10³ Basalt
60% 10⁴ - 10⁵ Andesite
70% 10⁶ - 10⁸ Rhyolite
Data Journal — Record & Analyze Your Experiments
#Silica content percentageMagma temperature in CelsiusDissolved gas content levelObservation

Predict • Observe • Explain

Predict

Before running the simulation, predict: what do you think will happen to Magma Viscosity G7 C6 W3 when you change the variables?

Observe

Run the simulation with different settings. Record the patterns and relationships you see.

Explain

Compare your observations with your prediction. Use scientific vocabulary to explain why Magma Viscosity G7 C6 W3 behaves this way.

Key Concepts

Variables

Changing one variable while controlling others helps us isolate cause and effect in Magma Viscosity - G7 C6 W3.

Patterns

Look for repeatable patterns in the data — they reveal the underlying scientific principles.

Models

This simulation is a model — a simplified representation that helps us understand Magma Viscosity - G7 C6 W3.