Shield Volcanoes – Volcanoes that are found on constructive plate margins

To remember the meaning of the term Shield Volcanoes, use the following mnemonic:

The shield that the Vulcan (shield volcano) used was easy to construct – you just cut out a plate and paint the margins (constructive plate margins)

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Shield volcanoes happen on constructive plate margins. This is where two plates move away from each other. A shield volcano has these characteristics:

• Basic lava, which is non-acidic and very runny (low viscosity)
• Gently sloping sides, because the lava flows for long distances before it solidifies
• No layers, because the volcano consists of lava only
• Less violent eruptions
• Usually shorter periods between eruptions

Shield Volcano.