Civil Thinking

Viscosity controls some features of Lava Transport

Viscosity is defined as the resistance to flow in a fluid:

μ=τ/ε     (= stress/strain rate)

viscosity affects:

  • Rate of travel of lava flows
  • Dome Stability and Collapse
  • Thickness of lava flow
“Big Obsidian Flow” OR, up to 20m thick. (Note trees for scale)
5 cm thick flow (!) East African Rift

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