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Shield Volcanoes

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belknap.jpg
Mount Belknap is an example of a shield volcano

Shield Volcanoes
  • Have sides that are wide and flat (shield-like)
  • Formed by layers of lava that build up over time
  • Lava flows gently out in all directions
  • The Hawaiian Islands are examples of shield volcanoes
  • They are most common in oceanic areas. As a result, huge explosions can occur when their lava makes contact with ocean water.

Kilauea

  • Kilauea is a shield volcano.
  • At this time, Kilauea, located on the island of Hawaii, is the most active volcano on Earth. 
  • It rises over 4,000 ft above the sea floor.

Assignment: Follow the link below and learn about another Hawaiian volcano:  Mauna Loa.  What does its name mean?  What is special about this volcano?

http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/maunaloa/

Mauna Loa from afar
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Kilauea Eruption
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Kilauea Steaming
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Kilauea Releasing Steam
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