Example of Shield Volcano

Shield volcanoes are so called because of the "shield" of lava rock around them. These tend to be large volcanoes. The lava is produced by a main vent or central vent, which distributes the shield according to lava flow patterns. Shield areas may be extensive, depending on the nature of the terrain, and the fluidity of the lava, (on Earth, commonly basalt) which may flow for large distances from the vents.