What is Shield volcano?

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1. GiGi
   

   A shield volcano is a large volcano with shallow-sloping sides. The name derives from a translation of "Skjaldbreiður", an Icelandic shield volcano whose name means "broad shield", from its resemblance to a warrior's shield. Shield volcanoes are formed by lava flows of low viscosity — lava that flows easily. Consequently, a volcanic mountain having a broad profile is built up over time by flow after flow of relatively fluid basaltic lava issuing from vents or fissures on the surface of the volcano. Many of the largest volcanoes on Earth are shield volcanoes. The largest in terms of area covered is Mauna Loa of Hawai'i; the tallest measured from its base under the ocean, however, is Mauna Kea of Hawai'i. All the volcanoes in the Hawaiian Islands are shield volcanoes.

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