What do shield volcanoes typically produce during eruptions?

Shield volcanoes are characterized by their broad, gentle slopes and are primarily built up by the eruption of low-viscosity basaltic lava. This type of lava is fluid and can flow over great distances before solidifying, contributing to the wide, shield-like shape of the volcano.

During an eruption, the fluid nature of the lava allows it to travel far from the vent, creating extensive lava flows. These flows spread out in thin layers, resulting in the characteristic shape of shield volcanoes. The eruptions tend to be less explosive compared to other types of volcanoes, leading to the predominant production of lava rather than significant amounts of ash or pyroclastic materials.

In contrast, options like thick, viscous lava or pumice and ash relate more to stratovolcanoes, which have more explosive eruptions due to their higher lava viscosity. Therefore, the production of fluid lava flows is a defining feature of shield volcanoes during eruptions.