Volcanoes around the world (Kilauea, Rainier, Mazama, Yellowstone, Long Valley) erupt magmas with differing silica contents - and therefore have constrasting eruptive styles. Eruptive styles range from effusive and quiet...to explosive and deadly. And there is a global pattern for the location for these volcanoes.

Magma chemistry (silica content) is an important factor in determining the location and eruptive danger for volcanoes in the Cascades, the Andes, and other locations. Sheild volcanoes (45% silica), Stratovolcanoes (60% silica), and Supervolcanoes (75% silica) demonstrate contrasting volcanic shapes, locations, and eruptive styles.

Tom Foster (http://HUGEfloods.com) and Nick Zentner (Central Washington University) have been hiking together in eastern Washington for years. ‘Volcanoes Around the World’ is part of a “2 Minute Geology” video series.