Shield Volcanoes Diagram Quiz

Questions and Answers

What is a vent in relation to shield volcanoes?

Hot basaltic magma erupts here, so hot it may flow great distances.

What characterizes the gentle sloping sides of shield volcanoes?

Built where there has been no explosive activity (no ejected fragments).

How is a shield volcano formed?

Formed by frequent, gentle eruptions of thin and runny lava.

Where are shield volcanoes typically found?

Typically found along constructive plate boundaries or hotspots. Signup and view all the answers

What is the height range of shield volcanoes?

5000m+ from the crust to the ocean; 4100m+ from ocean to the apex of the volcano. Signup and view all the answers

What are the characteristics of Mauna Loa?

180 km wide, slope angle of 6 degrees, circumference of 16 km, diameter of 110 km at sea level, summit is 4171 m above sea level, still active. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Shield Volcanoes Overview

Characterized by gentle sloping sides due to non-explosive eruptions.
Formed by frequent eruptions of thin, runny lava, allowing it to flow over long distances.

Key Components

Vent: The opening where hot basaltic magma erupts, enabling extensive lava flow.
Gentle Sloping Sides: Created in environments without explosive volcanic activity, preventing the ejection of fragments.

Locations and Formation

Commonly located along constructive plate boundaries or hotspots, demonstrating their association with tectonic activity.

Measurements and Characteristics

Shield volcanoes can exceed 5000 meters in height from the crust to the ocean and reach over 4100 meters from ocean level to the summit.

Example: Mauna Loa

Dimensions: 180 km wide, 110 km diameter at sea level, and a circumferential measurement of 16 km.
Summit altitude of 4171 meters above sea level, maintaining active volcanic status with significant lava flows recorded in the 2000s.
Slope angle maintained at approximately 6 degrees, indicative of the gentle profile typical of shield volcanoes.

Description

Test your knowledge about shield volcanoes with this informative quiz. Explore key terms such as vents, gentle sloping sides, and the characteristics of shield volcanoes. Perfect for students learning about geology and volcanic formations.