The most common feature of shield volcanoes is a broad base. These volcanoes have a gently sloping profile, resembling a warrior's shield or an upside-down dinner plate. They are characterized by their low angle of eruption, which allows for the lava to flow slowly and spread out over a large area, creating the wide, flattened shape. Shield volcanoes usually have gentle slopes and are composed of multiple layers of thin, runny lava flows. The eruptions of shield volcanoes are typically non-explosive and relatively calm, with the lava flowing easily down the sides of the volcano. Therefore, violent eruptions are not a common feature of shield volcanoes. Additionally, shield volcanoes commonly have gentle slopes, so steep sides are not a typical characteristic. Thick lava is also not a key feature of shield volcanoes, as they are primarily composed of thin, fluid lava flows.
