![]() Hungry for some science, but you don’t have time for a full-course research plate? Then check out USGS Science Snippets, our snack-sized science series that focuses on the fun, weird, and fascinating stories of USGS science. Next EarthWord: Our next word sounds like what the British might call an outhouse. In determining what types of oil and gas are present, as well as how much is technically recoverable, viscosity of the petroleum is very important. Finally, viscosity is also a factor in our oil and gas research.Next, in our water studies, the viscosity of both surface water and groundwater can affect all manner of things, from how fast a river flows to how deep groundwater can percolate.First, when studying the flow of lava and its effects, the viscosity of the flow can affect the speed at which the lava travels. Viscosity factors into USGS science in a number of ways.It affects how these liquids behave, and can change depending on such factors as temperature and pressure. Viscosity is an important measurement in most studies of fluids, from water to oil.Use/Significance in the Earth Science Community: ![]() Speaking of molasses, viscosity comes from the Latin viscosus, which meant “sticky.”.Ever heard the phrase “slower than molasses?” Viscosity is what it’s referring to, since molasses has a fairly high viscosity and so doesn’t flow very quickly. These include temperature, pressure, and the addition of other molecules. Viscosity looks at the difference in the rate of flow or deformation between between molecules a certain distance from a surface and those at the liquid-surface interface. Viscosity refers to a fluid’s resistance to flowing. They are only inhibited by their interactions with one another.As the lava cools on the surface, its viscosity increases and the flow slows down. A USGS geologist collects a molten lava sample during a December 2015 lava flow from Puʻu ʻŌʻō.
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