Which type of eruptions are commonly associated with active volcanic island arcs?

Volcanic island arcs are typically formed at convergent plate boundaries where an oceanic plate subducts beneath another oceanic plate or a continental plate. This process leads to the accumulation of magma, which tends to be richer in silica, resulting in highly viscous lava. As pressure builds up in the magma chamber, explosive eruptions are generated.

These explosive eruptions can produce significant amounts of ash, pyroclastic flows, and volcanic gases, making them characteristic of volcanic island arcs like the Aleutians, the Marianas, and the Lesser Antilles. Because of the composition of the magma and the tectonic settings where they form, these eruptions can be violent, contrasting with other types of volcanic activity that may feature more effusive, gentle lava flows or passive emissions. Thus, explosive eruptions are the most common type associated with active volcanic island arcs.