Description

Context

Recently, the Kilauea volcano on Hawaii's Big Island emitted lava fountains that reached heights of nearly 1,000 feet.

Type	Shield-type volcano
Location	Southeastern part of the island of Hawaii, Hawaii state, United States
Elevation	4,190 feet (1,227 meters) above sea level
Lava Lake	Halemaʻumaʻu, located in the summit caldera; considered the home of the Hawaiian volcano goddess, Pele
Nearby Volcano	Slopes merge with Mauna Loa on the west and north
Eruption History	Continuously erupting since 1983
Eruption Style	Usually nonexplosive; eruptions often contained within Halemaʻumaʻu, occasionally overflowing onto caldera floor and flanks
Notability	One of the world’s most active volcanoes

Definition: An active shield volcano is a type of volcano with broad, gentle slopes built primarily by the eruption of low-viscosity basaltic lava. It is considered active if it is currently erupting, has erupted recently, or shows signs of future eruptions (e.g., seismic activity, gas emissions).
Shape: Named “shield” because of its resemblance to a warrior’s shield lying flat on the ground.
Lava Type: Produces fluid basaltic lava that spreads over wide areas before cooling, contributing to its broad profile.
Eruption Style: Generally non-explosive due to the low gas content and low viscosity of the lava, though lava fountains and flows are common.

Begins with magma rising from the mantle through a hotspot or divergent boundary.
Repeated lava flows from central vents or fissures build up the volcano over time.
The lava cools slowly, adding layers and expanding the volcano outward.
Tectonic Setting: Often found over hotspots (e.g., Hawaii) or at divergent plate boundaries (e.g., Iceland).
Risk Factor: Though eruptions are less violent, lava flows can destroy property and infrastructure over time.

Practice Question:

Q. Kīlauea volcano, often mentioned in the news for its frequent eruptions, is located in which of the following regions?

(a) Aleutian Islands, Alaska
(b) Island of Hawaii, United States
(c) Luzon Island, Philippines
(d) Java Island, Indonesia

Correct Answer: (b) Island of Hawaii, United States

Explanation:

Kīlauea is an active shield volcano located in the southeastern part of the Big Island (Hawai‘i Island) in the state of Hawaii, United States.
It is one of the world's most active volcanoes and has been erupting continuously since 1983.
It is not located in the Pacific Ring of Fire like many other volcanoes in Southeast Asia; instead, it sits above a hotspot in the Earth's mantle.