Question

How does the shape of a volcano relate to the average viscosity of the eruptive products of that volcano?

Answer 1

Higher viscosities will lead to less flow, and therefore higher peaks on smaller bases. The general conical shape will not change.

Explanation:

Viscosity is the resistance of magma to flow when subjected to a force. In general, the viscosity of magma increases as the silica content increases from basalt to rhyolite. http://www.gso.uri.edu/lava/MagmaProperties/properties.html