What can cause the eruption from a shield volcano to become explosive?

Question

Question 11 options:

A)

Water accumulated in the vent

B)

Caldera collapse

C)

Subduction

D)

Mantle plumes

Answer 1

A) Water accumulated in the vent

The presence of water accumulated in the vent can cause a shield volcano to erupt explosively. When water comes into contact with molten magma, it can lead to rapid steam generation, resulting in explosive volcanic activity. This contrasts with the typically non-explosive eruptions of shield volcanoes, which are usually characterized by the effusive flow of basaltic lava.