The most fundamental way to characterize a volcanic eruption is whether it is magmatic, phreatic, or phreatomagmatic.
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Article 1: Magmatic Eruptions
Magmatic eruptions include fresh lava or tephra from a magma source. Magmatic eruptions range from quiet effusions of lava to extremely explosive eruptions that can blow apart mountains and send ash clouds around the globe. Read more
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Article 2: Phreatomagmatic (Hydrovolcanic) Eruptions
Phreatomagmatic eruptions include fresh lava or tephra, but also include violent steam explosions caused by the interaction of hot magma or lava with water. Read more
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Katmai National Park & Preserve
Article 3: Phreatic Eruptions
Phreatic eruptions are steam explosions and do not include any fresh lava. Any ash erupted is made up of shattered rock. Read more