Effusive eruption

Effusive eruptions are a volcanic phenomenon; in some ways the opposite of explosive eruptions. An effusive eruption is characterized by an outpouring of low viscosity lava which has a fairly low volatile content. Usually, shield volcanoes have effusive eruptions. Basaltic magma erupted in an effusive manner may become an aa or a pahoehoe and silicic magma blocky lavas and domes.