Question

Q. Consider the following statements:

The above characteristics belong to which of the following groups of volcanoes?

• A. Composite volcanoes
• B. Shield volcanoes
• C. Lava Volcanoes
• D. Cinder cones

Answer 1

The correct option is B Shield volcanoes

Explanation:

Volcanoes are classified on the basis of the nature of eruption and the form developed at the surface. Major types of volcanoes are as follows:

• Shield volcanoes
• Composite volcanoes
• Cinder cones
• Lava Volcanoes

Shield volcanoes: Barring the basalt flows, the shield volcanoes are the largest of all the volcanoes on the earth. The Hawaiian volcanoes are the most famous examples. These volcanoes are mostly made up of basalt, a type of lava that is very fluid when erupted. For this reason, these volcanoes are not steep.

• They become explosive if somehow water gets into the vent; otherwise, they are characterized by low explosivity.
• The upcoming lava moves in the form of a fountain and throws out the cone at the top of the vent and develops into a cinder cone. Hawaiian shield volcanoes are an example of this type.

(Image: Shield volcano)