Phenocrysts are crystals that are larger than the matrix and are identifiable with the unaided eye. Rhomb porphyry is an example with large rhomb shaped phenocrysts embedded in a very fine grained matrix. Volcanic rocks often have a vesicular texture caused by voids left by volatiles trapped in the molten lava.
A Vulcanian eruption is a short, violent, relatively small explosion of viscous magma (usually andesite, dacite, or rhyolite). This type of eruption results from the fragmentation and explosion of a plug of lava in a volcanic conduit, or from the rupture of a lava dome (viscous lava that piles up over a vent).ere are some of the most common types of eruptions: In a Hawaiian eruption, fluid basaltic lava is thrown into the air in jets from a vent or line of vents (a fissure) at the summit or on the flank of a volcano.
The mixture of molten rock, crystals and dissolved gases from the mantle is called magma. When magma erupts to the Earth's surface, it is called lava. Not all volcanic eruptions happen near the boundaries of tectonic plates. Some eruptions happen in the middle of the plates.These eruptions are caused by mantle streams called plumes. Mantle plumes are formed when hot magma rises beneath the thinner, or weaker, areas of the Earth's crust, creating 'hot spots'. Volcanic islands are formed when mantle plumes form at the bottom of the ocean.ome eruptions happen in the middle of the plates. These eruptions are caused by mantle streams called plumes. Mantle plumes are formed when hot magma rises beneath the thinner, or weaker, areas of the Earth's crust, creating 'hot spots'. Volcanic islands are formed when mantle plumes form at the bottom of the ocean.