Types of Volcanoes

Shield Volcano Built of lava released from repeated non- explosive eruptions Lava is very runny and spreads out over a wide area Creates a volcano with gently sloping sides Example: Hawaii’s Mauna Kea

Cinder Cone Pyroclastic materials produced from moderately explosive eruptions Forms steep slopes Cinder cones are small and usually erupt for only a short time Often in clusters on the sides of other volcanoes Usually erode quickly Ex: Mexico Paricutin

Composite volcanoes Sometimes called stratovolcanoes Most common type Form from explosive eruptions of pyroclastic material, followed by quieter flows of lava Examples Mount Fuji, Mount Hood, Mount Rainier, Mount Shasta, Mount St. Helens