A characteristic of shield volcanoes is the formation of a crater at the summit which occurswhen:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The formation of a crater at the summit of a shield volcano occurs when the lava flows that built up the volcano withdraw and the surface collapses. This is due to the fact that shield volcanoes are formed by non-explosive eruptions of low-viscosity lava which creates broad, gently sloping mountains. As the lava flows from the summit towards the base of the volcano, it leaves behind a void which eventually causes the surface to collapse and form a crater. Shield volcanoes are typically formed by non-explosive eruptions that result in lava flowing out and forming a broad, gently sloping mountain. As the lava cools and solidifies, it forms a cap on the summit of the volcano. Over time, this cap can collapse inward, creating a depression or crater at the top of the volcano. This collapse is often caused by the withdrawal of lava from beneath the surface, which can create voids or empty spaces that eventually collapse.

A Characteristic of Shield Volcanoes Is the Formation of a Crater