The main difference is that shield volcanoes have lava that has very low vicosity."Think of liquids. Water is very runny, and has a low viscosity. Syrup, on the other hand, has a high viscosity and flows more slowly. " - universitytoday.com With these volcanoes, lava runs downward and creates sloped sides. Also, shield volcanoes are less likely to erupt than others.
Whats the difference between a shield volcano and any other?
Mauno Loa is the largest shield volcano, located in Hawaii. Last eruption in 1984.
Shield volcanoes are the main and most famous type of volcano. They are very broad a slightly sloped. Their bases are usually several diameters wide. These volcanoes usually have a vast amount of magma supply and the magma it does have is very liquidy. Eruptions only occur when water gets into the volcanoes vent.
Shield Volcanoes
What are shield volcanoes?
