Mauna Loa Volcano within Hawaii largely erupt a rock type referred as basalt (HCV, 2008). When in molten state, basalt generates liquids of high fluidity. The fluidity of the molten basalt supports the flow of lava that is why the Mauna Loa Volcano generally has gentle sloping sides (HCV, 2008). The high eruption rate occurring at Mauna Loa Volcano, together with steep slopes, favors far and fast flows of lava or magma.
In contrary, Mayon is categorized as a composite cone or stratovolcano. It is made of deposits formed primarily by four main forms of volcanic activity: pryoclastic flows, air-fall deposition, lava flows and rain caused debris flows (Ganeri, 2009). Pryoclastic and air-falls flow deposits are made of unconsolidated materials or objects, varying in sizes ranging from ash to miniature or small boulders. The deposits are caused by the eruption of disjointed rock materials from the crater, which are then transported down-slope due to the influence of explosion blast, prevailing wind, and force of gravity.
The Mayon eruptions are normally explosive or vulcanian in nature. They are coupled with emission of ash as well as ash-laden gases. The symmetry or equilibrium of the volcano shows that the eruptions normally occur from the central vent, and have not been violent to demolish Mayon’s form (Ganeri, 2009). Mauna Loa Volcano within Hawaii is perceived to be created from hot spot (HCV, 2008). As the plate drifts over a rigid permanent spot deeper within the interior Earth where molten lava forms or creates, a new volcano may punch via this plate and form an island. As the plate drifts away, the volcano halts erupting and a new volcano emerges in its place. By contrary, Mount Pinatubo is within a subduction zone. This is where a tectonic plate slips or slides under another (Ganeri, 2009).
References
Ganeri, A. (2009). Volcanoes in action. New York, NY: Rosen Pub. Group.
Hawaii Center for Volcanology (2008). Mauna Loa Volcano. krubin@soest.
