Question

What kind of volcano is Kilauea? A) shield C) cinder cone B) composite D) caldera cone

Short answer

Kilauea is a shield volcano.

Step-by-step solution

Definition of Volcano Types

Start by understanding the different types of volcanoes: - **Shield Volcanoes** have broad, gentle slopes and are primarily formed by the eruption of low-viscosity lava that can flow a long distance. - **Cinder Cone Volcanoes** are small, steeply sloped volcanoes formed from particles and blobs of congealed lava ejected from a vent. - **Composite Volcanoes**, also known as stratovolcanoes, are large, symmetrical volcanoes with layers of lava flows, volcanic ash, and other volcanic debris. - **Caldera Volcanoes** form when a large portion of a volcano collapses into its magma chamber, leaving a large depression.

Identify Characteristics of Kilauea

Kilauea is known for its persistent low-viscosity basaltic lava flows, creating a wide and gently sloping landform which is a hallmark of shield volcanoes. It is one of the most active volcanoes and primarily characterized by frequent non-explosive eruptions.

Compare Kilauea's Characteristics

Match the characteristics of Kilauea with the definitions: - The broad, gentle slopes and the type of lava flow align with the description of shield volcanoes. - Unlike cinder cones and composite volcanoes, Kilauea does not have steep slopes or significant explosiveness. - It also isn't characterized primarily by a collapse structure like a caldera cone.

Conclusion

Based on the characteristics and comparison, conclude that Kilauea is a shield volcano.

Key concepts

Volcano Types

Volcanoes come in various shapes and sizes, each with distinct characteristics. Learning about different types can help identify and understand their unique formations. Here are the primary types:

• **Shield Volcanoes**: These are expansive volcanoes with low, broad profiles and gentle slopes. They form from the eruption of low-viscosity lava that can travel far. This makes them relatively wide and flat.
• **Cinder Cone Volcanoes**: Smaller and steeper, these volcanoes are composed mainly of volcanic debris such as ash, tephra, and lava fragments that are hurled into the air and fall back around the vent.
• **Composite Volcanoes**: Sometimes called stratovolcanoes, they are known for their large, symmetrical shapes and composed layers of hardened lava, ash, and volcanic rocks. They often experience explosive eruptions.
• **Caldera Volcanoes**: These form massive depressions in the earth's surface when a volcano's top collapses into a void where the magma chamber used to be. This often creates unique landscapes.

Understanding these differences is crucial for recognizing what makes each volcano type unique and how they interact with their environment.

Kilauea Characteristics

Kilauea is one of the most famous volcanoes in the world, largely because of its almost constant activity. It is located in Hawaii and is part of the Hawaiian volcanic chain. Kilauea is particularly distinguished by several key characteristics:

• **Low-Viscosity Lava**: It primarily erupts basaltic lava, which is very fluid and flows easily, contributing to its gentle slopes.
• **Persistent Activity**: Known for its regular eruptions, Kilauea’s activity is typically non-explosive, though it can occasionally produce violent events.
• **Wide and Gentle Slopes**: Due to its lava type and eruption style, Kilauea has a broad and gentle dome-like profile, typical of shield volcanoes.

These features align perfectly with the descriptions of a shield volcano, categorizing Kilauea as such. Its unique characteristics make it an excellent study subject for understanding volcanic processes and impacts.

Low-Viscosity Lava

Lava viscosity is a measure of how fluid or thick the lava is, and it significantly affects a volcano’s behavior and shape. Low-viscosity lava, like the basaltic type found at Kilauea, has several distinct properties:

• **Flow and Spread**: Due to its fluid nature, low-viscosity lava can travel great distances from the eruption site, creating extensive lava fields and covering large areas before cooling and solidifying.
• **Gentle Eruptions**: This type of lava typically results in less explosive and more effusive eruptions, as it doesn't trap as many gases compared to high-viscosity lavas.
• **Volcano Shape**: When lava has low viscosity, it forms wide and gently sloping volcanoes, like shield volcanoes, as the lava layers build up slowly over time.

Understanding low-viscosity lava is crucial in appreciating how certain volcanoes, such as Kilauea, achieve their characteristic shapes and maintain less violent eruption patterns. This knowledge helps in predicting volcanic activities and planning for potential impacts on communities.