What are the characteristics of a shield volcano?

Shield volcanoes. The characteristics of a shield volcano. Shield volcanoes are usually found at constructive or tensional boundaries. They are low, with gently sloping sides. They are formed by eruptions of thin, runny lava. Eruptions tend to be frequent but relatively gentle. read more

A shield volcano is a type of volcano usually composed almost entirely of fluid lava flows. It is named for its low profile, resembling a warrior's shield lying on the ground. This is caused by the highly fluid (low viscosity) lava erupted, which travels farther than lava erupted from a stratovolcano, and results in the steady accumulation of broad sheets of lava, building up the shield volcano's distinctive form. read more

Other shield volcanoes have summit eruptions, which produce volcanic activity at the peak of the volcano in a basin. Summit eruptions do not always spill down the side of the volcano. Fissure eruptions are common among Hawaiian shield volcanoes, while Icelandic shield volcanoes typically have summit eruptions. read more

Most shield volcanoes are super-volcanoes. A shield volcano is a volcano with shallow-sloping sides.Shield volcanoes are formed from fluid lava that can travel longdistances across slight inclines, resulting in their relativelyflat, broad profile. In contrast, steeply sloped stratovolcanoesbetter match the popular stereotype of a volcano. read more