Which volcano type is built from low-viscosity mafic lava that creates broad, gently sloped profiles?

Which volcano type is built from low-viscosity mafic lava that creates broad, gently sloped profiles?

• A. Stratovolcanoes
• B. Shield volcanoes
• C. Volcanic domes
• D. Calderas

Answer: (B)

Low-viscosity mafic lava flows easily and travels far, spreading out to cover a wide area before cooling. As many such lava flows successively erupt and pile up, they create a broad, gently sloped landform with a shield-like profile. This is the defining shape of shield volcanoes, which are typically built by basaltic lava thatProduces wide, low-angle slopes. In contrast, more viscous magmas—like those in stratovolcanoes—trap gases and build steep, cone-shaped peaks; volcanic domes form from highly viscous magma that doesn’t flow far, and calderas are large depressions from major explosive eruptions and collapse. So the description aligns with shield volcanoes.

Low-viscosity mafic lava flows easily and travels far, spreading out to cover a wide area before cooling. As many such lava flows successively erupt and pile up, they create a broad, gently sloped landform with a shield-like profile. This is the defining shape of shield volcanoes, which are typically built by basaltic lava thatProduces wide, low-angle slopes. In contrast, more viscous magmas—like those in stratovolcanoes—trap gases and build steep, cone-shaped peaks; volcanic domes form from highly viscous magma that doesn’t flow far, and calderas are large depressions from major explosive eruptions and collapse. So the description aligns with shield volcanoes.