Volcano Eruption Simulator

Adjust magma properties and tectonic settings to simulate different eruption styles.

1. Volcano Configuration
Volcano Type
Gas Pressure: High
Magma Viscosity: High
Eruption Intensity (VEI)
4
Catastrophic
Plinian Eruption Style
Ash Fall Primary Hazard

How Volcanoes Erupt

The style of a volcanic eruption is determined by two main factors: the Viscosity of the magma (how thick it is) and the Gas Content.

  • Effusive Eruptions (Shield): Low viscosity magma allows gas to escape easily. This results in runny lava flows that can travel long distances but rarely explode (e.g., Hawaii).
  • Explosive Eruptions (Stratovolcano): High viscosity magma traps gas bubbles. As the magma rises, the pressure builds until it shatters the rock, sending ash and pyroclastic flows into the atmosphere (e.g., Mt. St. Helens).
  • The VEI Scale: The Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) ranges from 0 to 8. Each step represents a 10x increase in the volume of material ejected.