Question

3) Describe the differences between shield and stratovolcanoes. Discuss viscosity, silica contents, temperatures and explosivity differences. Include an example of where each type of volcano occurs on Earth.

Answer 1

Shield volcanoes feature low-viscosity, low-silica, and high-temperature lava leading to gentle slopes, while stratovolcanoes have high-viscosity, high-silica, and low-temperature lava, resulting in steep slopes and more explosive eruptions.

Step-by-step explanation:

The differences between shield and stratovolcanoes involve a variety of geological aspects, including viscosity, silica content, temperature, and explosivity.

Shield volcanoes have low-viscosity lava that is basaltic, with low silica content and a higher temperature, which allows it to flow easily and create broad, gently sloping sides. An example of a shield volcano is Mauna Loa in Hawaii.

In contrast, stratovolcanoes have high-viscosity lava that is andesitic to rhyolitic, with high silica content and a lower temperature. This causes it to flow less easily, creating steeper slopes and often forming layers from different eruptive episodes.

Stratovolcanoes tend to have more violent explosive eruptions due to trapped gases. One example of a stratovolcano is Mount Fuji in Japan.