Shield cone volcanoes are huge; some of the largest volcanoes in the world are shield volcanoes. They are built mainly from lava flows. After an eruption the lava flows out of the vents and creates sloping sides. Their shape is similar to a warrior’s shield. When a shield volcano erupts it is not usually explosive. Sometimes instead of lava flowing from the vents of a shield cone, the lava pours out of long fissures, which is why they are so wide. The most famous shield cone volcanoes are the Hawaiian Islands. Mauna Loa is the world’s largest shield cone volcano and also the most active!

Shield Cone Volcanoes

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