What are the properties of shield volcanoes?

Hazards associated with shield volcanoes

The primary hazard is destruction of property by lava flows. Volcanic gases (VOG) can pose health threats to vulnerable people. There are rare landslides associated with collapse of pillow lava piles. Lava fountains and phreatic explosions can cause death, but don't usually do so because they are highly localized.

Composition of shield volcanoes

They are composed of piles and piles of basaltic lava flows.

Typical eruption modes of shield volcanoes

They are dominated by lava flows, but are also subject to lava fountains and phreatic explosions.

Shield volcano geologic setting

They are primarily associated with hot spot volcanism, independent of plate boundaries.

Shield volcano size

They are the largest volcanoes in the Solar System. The largest known is Olympus Mons on Mars.

Eruption duration and frequency of shield volcanoes

They erupt almost continuously for very long periods of time.