MCQ Detailed View

Mauna Loa is one of the most well-known volcanoes in the world, located in Hawaii. It is classified as an active volcano, which means it is currently capable of erupting and has a recorded history of eruptions. Active volcanoes are defined by their ongoing volcanic activity or potential to erupt again in the future.

Mauna Loa is a shield volcano, characterized by a broad, gently sloping structure formed by the eruption of low-viscosity lava that can flow over great distances. These volcanoes typically produce large lava flows rather than explosive eruptions, which contributes to their wide, dome-like shape.

In contrast, an extinct volcano has not erupted for thousands of years and is not expected to erupt again, while a plateau in a volcanic region refers to a flat elevated area formed by volcanic activity, but it is not itself a volcano. The term “none of these” does not apply in this case.

Understanding active volcanoes like Mauna Loa is important in geology, environmental science, and natural hazard studies. Active volcanoes can affect ecosystems, climate, and human settlements due to lava flows, ash clouds, and volcanic gases. Mauna Loa has erupted multiple times in recorded history, with the most recent eruptions providing scientists with valuable data about volcanic activity and monitoring.

In summary, Mauna Loa is an active volcano, specifically a shield-type volcano, and serves as a classic example of ongoing volcanic activity on Earth. Recognizing its characteristics helps students understand how volcanoes are classified, how they form, and their impact on the environment.