Types of Volcanoes
Shield Volcanoes In some places, layers of lava pour out of a vent and harden on top of previous layers. These lava flows gradually build a wide, gently sloping mountain called a shield volcano. Cinder Cone Volcanoes If a volcano has very viscous lava, it may produce flows of ash and cinders that build up around the vent in a steep, cone-shaped mountain called a cinder cone. Composite Volcanoes Sometimes volcanoes alternate between flows of lava and flows of ash and cinders. These alternating layers build up to create what's called a composite volcano. Lava Plateaus Sometimes volcanoes erupt through long cracks with streams of lava that run a far distance before cooling and solidifying. The buildup of these layers form high plateaus. |