Which of the following characterizes a shield volcano?
A)It sits above a hot spot in the planet's mantle.
B)It is formed by moving tectonic plates.
C)It will be smaller than cinder cones like Maxwell Mons on Venus.
D)It erupts only briefly before subsiding forever.
E)It cannot grow very large, for the plates are constantly moving.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Shield volcanoes are typically found above hot spots in the mantle, where magma is able to rise to the surface and create relatively gentle, low-profile volcanoes with broad bases and gentle slopes.

Note: None of the other answer choices accurately describe shield volcanoes. Shield volcanoes are formed by hot spots in the Earth's mantle, which produce a steady flow of lava that spreads out in layers over time, creating a broad, gently sloping volcanic mountain.

Which of the Following Characterizes a Shield Volcano