what type of lava does a shield volcano have

Shield volcanoes mostly erupt basaltic lava, which is very hot, low in silica, and therefore runny (low viscosity).

Quick Scoop

• Shield volcanoes are built mainly from basaltic magma, which has low silica and gas content.

• This basaltic lava is very fluid (low viscosity), so it flows easily and spreads out in thin, broad layers.

• Because the lava is so runny and non-acidic, eruptions tend to be gentle and effusive rather than highly explosive.

• Classic shield volcanoes like Mauna Loa and Kīlauea mostly erupt basaltic lavas, often in forms called pāhoehoe (smooth, ropy) and ‘a‘ā (rough, rubbly).

In short, when you think “what type of lava does a shield volcano have,” the key idea is hot, runny basaltic lava that can travel long distances and build wide, gently sloping volcanic “shields.”

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