The low-angle flanks of Mauna Loa rise nearly 9 km from the sea floor. The elongated profile was created by repeated eruptions of thin lava flows, primarily from fissure vents along NE- and SW-trending rift zones. Almost 90% of the surface consists of lava flows less than 4,000 years old.

Photo by Richard Fiske (Smithsonian Institution).

This image is made available under the Public Domain Dedication CC0 license, but proper attribution is appreciated.

Keywords: shield volcano

Mauna Loa