What does shield volcano mean in science terms?
What does shield volcano mean in science terms?
Definition of shield volcano : a broad rounded volcano that is built up by successive outpourings of very fluid lava — see volcano illustration.
What are 5 facts about shield volcanoes?
Shield volcanoes have low viscosity lava, described as being basaltic. Shield volcanoes’ low viscosity lava means that the lava is more liquid and flows more quickly than thick lava. Therefore it can spread further, building up thin layers that continue to accumulate and create the shield volcano’s shape.
What are the three characteristics of shield volcanoes?
Shield volcanoes have the following characteristics:
- Basaltic magma, which is high in temperature, very low on silica and with low gas content.
- Basic lava, which is non-acidic and very runny.
- Gentle sides as the lava flows for long distances before it solidifies.
- No layers, as the volcano just consists of lava.
How did a shield volcano get its name?
A shield volcano is a large volcano with shallowly-sloping sides. The name derives from a translation of “Skjaldbreiður”, an Icelandic shield volcano whose name means “broad shield,” from its resemblance to a warrior’s shield. Shield volcanoes are usually formed by lava that flows easily.
What is a shield volcano long definition?
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.
What is a shield volcano ks2?
A shield volcano is a large volcano with shallowly-sloping sides. Consequently, a volcanic mountain having a broad profile is built up over time by flow after flow of relatively fluid basaltic lava issuing from vents or fissures on the surface of the volcano.
What is the composition of a shield volcano?
Shield volcanoes are composed almost entirely of relatively thin lava flows built up over a central vent. Most shields were formed by low viscosity basaltic magma that flows easily down slope away form the summit vent.
How do you identify a shield volcano?
Shield volcanoes have the following characteristics:
- basic lava, which is non-acidic and very runny.
- gentle sides as the lava flows for long distances before it solidifies.
- no layers, as the volcano just consists of lava.
- less violent eruptions.
- shorter periods between eruptions.
What are shield volcanoes eruptions like?
Eruptions at shield volcanoes are only explosive if water somehow gets into the vent, otherwise they are characterized by low-explosivity fountaining that forms cinder cones and spatter cones at the vent, however, 90% of the volcano is lava rather than pyroclastic material.
What is inside a shield volcano?
Shield volcanoes consist largely of thin lava flows, with minor pyroclastic (mainly ash) layers. Their subaerial (above sea-level) slopes are mostly 4-8 degrees, having steep-walled summit calderas and also pit craters (sinkholes) that are similar to calderas in form but much smaller.
What is the main shape of a shield volcano?
Shield volcanoes are shaped like a bowl or shield in the middle with long gentle slopes made by the lava flows. Examples include the volcanoes in Hawaii and Mount Etna.
What is the meaning of shield volcano?
Definition of shield volcano. : a broad rounded volcano that is built up by successive outpourings of very fluid lava — see volcano illustration.
What is the viscosity of shield volcano lava?
The lava that erupts from a shield volcano is typically basaltic, a type that has a low viscosity. Viscosity is a measure of the ability of a fluid to flow. Think of pouring molasses out of a jar and compare it to how water flows.
How do shield volcanoes grow in size?
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. Mauna Loa is the largest shield volcano found on the Island of Hawaii.
Are there any shield volcanoes on Mars?
Of a similar size, but bigger still, is another shield volcano that is not even found on Earth. Olympus Mons is the largest shield volcano on Mars. At about 375 miles in diameter and 16 miles high, it dwarfs Mount Everest, our tallest mountain above sea level.
