Compare and contrast shield, cinder cone, and composite volcanoes

Answer 1

Shield volcanoes, cinder cone volcanoes, and composite (or stratovolcanoes) are three different types of volcanoes that form in different ways and have different characteristics.

Shield volcanoes:

- Shield volcanoes have a broad, gently sloping shape with a low profile.
- They are formed by very fluid lava that flows easily and spreads out over a large area.
- Shield volcanoes typically have eruptions that are non-explosive and relatively calm.
- Examples of shield volcanoes include Mauna Loa in Hawaii and Paricutin in Mexico.

Cinder cone volcanoes:

- Cinder cone volcanoes have a steep-sided, conical shape with a small summit crater.
- They are formed by explosive eruptions that eject ash, cinders, and lava fragments into the air, which then fall back to the ground and pile up around the vent.
- Cinder cone volcanoes typically have short-lived eruptions that are relatively small in scale.
- Examples of cinder cone volcanoes include Paricutin in Mexico and Sunset Crater in Arizona.

Composite volcanoes:

- Composite volcanoes have a tall, conical shape with steep sides and a large summit crater.
- They are formed by alternating layers of lava flows, ash, and other volcanic material that build up over time.
- Composite volcanoes can have both explosive and effusive eruptions, with the potential for large, destructive eruptions.
- Examples of composite volcanoes include Mount St. Helens in the United States, Mount Fuji in Japan, and Mount Vesuvius in Italy.

In summary, shield volcanoes have a broad, gently sloping shape and non-explosive eruptions, cinder cone volcanoes have a steep-sided, conical shape and explosive eruptions, and composite volcanoes have a tall, conical shape and can have both explosive and effusive eruptions.