What are pancake volcanoes?

"Pancake volcano" is not a recognized term in geology or volcanology. It's possible there might be a misunderstanding or a local term used in a specific area.

Here's why the term might be confusing:

* Pancake-shaped volcanic features: While some volcanic landforms might appear somewhat pancake-shaped, this isn't a specific geological term.

* "Pancake" in volcanic context: The term "pancake" might sometimes be used informally to describe very flat lava flows, but this is not a technical term.

If you can provide more context about where you encountered the term "pancake volcano," it might be possible to understand what it refers to.

Here are some terms you might be thinking of:

* Shield Volcanoes: These are large, broad volcanoes with gently sloping sides, formed by effusive eruptions of fluid lava.

* Lava Flows: These are streams of molten rock that flow across the Earth's surface. Some lava flows can spread out quite flat, resembling a pancake.

Let me know if you have more information, and I'll try to help you further!