Shield Volcanos

Size & Shape

• shield volcanos are the largest volcanos on earth that actually look like volcanos
• often measure up to 4 to 5 miles in diameter and 1500 to 2000 ft. in hight

Type of Magma/Viscosity

• almost exclusively basaltic lava
• has a very low viscosity
• because of a low viscosity, it is a very runny, fluid lava

Eruption Style

• Shield volcanoes have 2 types
• Effusive eruptions are calm with steady lava flow
• Fire Fountain eruptions where gas pressure is high
• Fire Fountain style shoot out while effusive doesn't

Real World Examples

• Mauna Kea is a type of shield volcano, it is a dormant volcano on the island of Hawaii. Standing 13,803, it's peak is the highest point in Hawaii.
• Erta Ale is a continuously active basaltic shield volcano in the Afar Region of Ethiopia, and it is the most active volcano there. Its elevation is at 2,011'. Its last eruption was in 2009.