Which term describes a broad volcano with gently sloping sides?

Which term describes a broad volcano with gently sloping sides?

• A. Rift Valley
• B. Shield Volcano
• C. Rock
• D. Sea-floor Spreading

Answer: (B)

The shape of a volcano tells us how its lava erupts. When lava has low viscosity and can flow easily, it spreads out over large areas, building up a broad, gently sloping profile. This produces a shield-like form, so the term that describes a broad volcano with gently sloping sides is shield volcano. A Rift Valley is a depressed area formed by tectonic plates moving apart, not a type of volcano. A rock is simply all minerals bound together, not a volcanic feature. Sea-floor Spreading is the process of new ocean floor forming at mid-ocean ridges, not a volcano type.

The shape of a volcano tells us how its lava erupts. When lava has low viscosity and can flow easily, it spreads out over large areas, building up a broad, gently sloping profile. This produces a shield-like form, so the term that describes a broad volcano with gently sloping sides is shield volcano. A Rift Valley is a depressed area formed by tectonic plates moving apart, not a type of volcano. A rock is simply all minerals bound together, not a volcanic feature. Sea-floor Spreading is the process of new ocean floor forming at mid-ocean ridges, not a volcano type.