Effusive Eruptions
Volcano Learning zone > Volcano Glossary
Effusive eruptions are characterised by outpourings of lava onto the surface.These eruptions can be prolonged and erupt large volumes of rock but are not more gentle and continuous than explosive volcanoes. Typical lavas are Basalt which is very fluid and can flow with the appearence of water and Andesite which is more viscous and produces short flows . Dacite and Rhyolite are very viscous and often form lava domes. The Pu oo oo vent on Kilauea has been erupting basalt flows since 1983.