<P> A shield volcano is a type of volcano usually built almost entirely of fluid lava flows . They are named for their low profile , resembling a warrior 's shield lying on the ground . This is caused by the highly fluid ( low viscosity ) lava they erupt which travels farther than lava erupted from stratovolcanoes . This results in the steady accumulation of broad sheets of lava , building up the shield volcano 's distinctive form . The shape of shield volcanoes is due to the low viscosity of their mafic lava . </P>
<P> A shield volcano is a type of volcano usually built almost entirely of fluid lava flows . They are named for their low profile , resembling a warrior 's shield lying on the ground . This is caused by the highly fluid ( low viscosity ) lava they erupt which travels farther than lava erupted from stratovolcanoes . This results in the steady accumulation of broad sheets of lava , building up the shield volcano 's distinctive form . The shape of shield volcanoes is due to the low viscosity of their mafic lava . </P>
shield volcanoes tend to erupt what type of lava
shield volcanoes tend to erupt what type of lava
fluid lava
fluid lava