GEOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Where a volcano produces low viscosity, runny lava, it spreads far from the source and forms a volcano with gentle slopes: a shield volcano. Most shield volcanoes are formed from fluid, basaltic lava flows. Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa are shield volcanoes.

Detailed explanation-2: -Shield volcanoes are usually constructed almost entirely of basaltic and/or andesitic lava flows which were very fluid when erupted. They are built by repeated eruptions that occurred intermittently over vast periods of time (up to a million years or longer). Shield volcanoes are much wider than they are tall.

Detailed explanation-3: -A shield volcano is a type of volcano named for its low profile, resembling a warrior’s shield lying on the ground. It is formed by the eruption of highly fluid (low viscosity) lava, which travels farther and forms thinner flows than the more viscous lava erupted from a stratovolcano.

Detailed explanation-4: -Shield volcanoes are formed from many magma flows of low viscosity. The magma flows out of the vent and slides down the slopes of the volcano and builds up the size. A shield volcano is named so due to their similarity to a warrior’s shield lying on the ground.

Detailed explanation-5: -Basalt magma often forms shield volcanoes. Andesite magma often forms cone volcanoes. Rhyolite magma often forms calderas. Depending on how much gas the magma contains, it can also form cone volcanoes.