Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 12/09/2008 - 17:59

Dear Mr. Wood,

What kind of lava does Mount Erebus have and does it have a high silica content?

Does it have a very explosive or quiet explosion?

Hope to hear a reply soon!

Michelle Bui

Per. 2

John Wood

Hello Michelle,
Mt. Erebus has lava is called anothoclase phonolite, which is not covered in the book, but we will be talking about when I return.  I believe the silica content her is in the is in the 60% range, which is high but not real high.  What does that mean to the way the volcano erupts?
  Cheers,
Mr. Wood