Along subduction zones, which mechanism primarily controls variability in explosive volcanic eruption intensity?

💡 Explanation

Along subduction zones, higher magma silica content increases viscosity, trapping gases like water vapor and CO2. This increases pressure leading to more explosive eruptions due to rapid decompression. Therefore, magma's silica content and gas quantity directly influence eruption intensity, rather than plume temperature, rock density profile or sediment compaction.

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