What's the difference in the composition of continental and submarine lava ? Thanks in advance

Joco

Dear Joco,

Sorry for the delay in answering your question.

Most continental lava flows are andesite in composition. They contain about 54-63 weight percent silica and are medium to light gray in color. Most submarine lava flows are basalt in composition. They contain about 48-52 weight percent silica and are black in color. The darker color is a result of a greater amount of iron and magnesium. Have a look at Minerals, Magmas, and Volcanic Rocks.

Steve Mattox, University of North Dakota

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