Compare and contrast shield, cinder cone, and composite volcanoes
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.