A shield volcano is a volcano with shallow-sloping sides. Shield volcanoes are formed from fluid lava that can travel long distances across slight inclines, resulting in their relatively flat, broad profile. In contrast, steeply sloped stratovolcanoes better match the popular stereotype of a volcano. Some of the largest volcanoes on Earth are shield volcanoes.
The name derives from a translation of "Skjaldbreiður", an Icelandic shield volcano who...
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Shield volcano
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