Different Types of Volcanoes and Their Characteristics

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What is the main factor that differentiates the four main types of volcanoes?

Composition

Which type of volcano is typically characterized by low-explosivity and mostly lava flows?

Shield

What are composite cone volcanoes also called?

Stratovolcanoes

What type of material are composite cone volcanoes mainly composed of?

Andesite

What is the characteristic height range of cinder cone volcanoes?

100-400 m

What type of lava is typically found in composite cone volcanoes?

Felsic

Which famous volcano is a composite cone volcano?

Mount Vesuvius

What type of eruption is typically associated with shield cone volcanoes?

Effusive

What is the primary difference between shield cone and composite cone volcanoes?

Shape of the volcano

What material is a pyroclastic flow composed of?

Ash, rock fragments, and hot gases

What is a characteristic of cinder cone volcanoes?

They are typically among the smallest volcanoes in the world.

What kind of eruption do cinder cone volcanoes generally experience?

Explosive eruption lasting for several years

What type of lavas are typically found in cinder cone volcanoes?

Basalts and andesites

Which volcano is mentioned as the most recently developed cinder cone volcano?

Paricutin, Mexico

What distinguishes lava dome volcanoes from cinder cone volcanoes?

They are created by lavas that are unable to flow any great distance from the vent.

What is the primary characteristic that differentiates shield volcanoes from composite cone volcanoes?

Composition

What is the typical eruptive style associated with cinder cone volcanoes?

Mainly lava flows

What is the characteristic of lava domes that sets them apart from other types of volcanoes?

High silica and viscosity

What type of material are composite cone volcanoes mainly composed of?

Andesite

What is the primary characteristic of shield volcanoes?

Non-steep slopes

What distinguishes lava dome volcanoes from cinder cone volcanoes?

Lava domes are formed by viscous lavas that do not flow far from the vent, while cinder cone volcanoes are formed by explosive eruptions

What is the characteristic height range of cinder cone volcanoes?

Less than 400 m

What type of lavas are typically found in cinder cone volcanoes?

Basalts and andesites

Which famous volcano is a composite cone volcano?

Mount Saint Helens

What is the primary factor that differentiates cinder cone and shield cone volcanoes?

The nature of the lavas they produce

What distinguishes shield cone volcanoes from composite cone volcanoes?

Composite cone volcanoes have a wider base and gentler slope compared to shield cone volcanoes.

What type of lava is typically found in shield cone volcanoes?

Mafic

Which famous volcano is a shield cone volcano?

Mauna Loa

What distinguishes cinder cone volcanoes from shield cone and composite cone volcanoes?

Cinder cones are made from congealed lava exiting a single vent.

What type of lava is typically found in composite cone volcanoes?

Felsic

Study Notes

Volcano Types

  • The main factor that differentiates the four main types of volcanoes is their shape and eruption style.

Shield Volcanoes

  • Characterized by non-explosive eruptions and gentle slopes.
  • Typically have a broad, gently sloping shape.
  • Primary characteristic: gently sloping shape and non-explosive eruptions.
  • Type of lava: fluid, basaltic lava.

Composite Cone Volcanoes

  • Characterized by low-explosivity and mostly lava flows.
  • Also called stratovolcanoes.
  • Mainly composed of alternating layers of lava, ash, and other pyroclastic material.
  • Type of lava: more viscous, andesitic lava.
  • Example: Mount St. Helens.

Cinder Cone Volcanoes

  • Characterized by small, steep-sided cones and explosive eruptions.
  • Typically have a height range of 100-400 meters.
  • Characterized by: small, steep-sided cones, and explosive eruptions.
  • Type of lava: mafic to intermediate lava.
  • Example: Paricutin, a recently developed cinder cone volcano.

Lava Dome Volcanoes

  • Characterized by a steep-sided, dome-shaped volcano.
  • Distinguishing feature: highly viscous lava that piles up around the volcanic vent.
  • Differentiated from cinder cone volcanoes by their shape and eruption style.

Eruptions and Flows

  • Pyroclastic flows: composed of hot, fast-moving ash, gas, and rock.
  • Shield cone volcanoes: typically experience non-explosive eruptions.
  • Cinder cone volcanoes: generally experience explosive eruptions.
  • Lava domes: characterized by a slow, effusive eruption style.

Key Differences

  • Primary difference between shield cone and composite cone volcanoes: shape and eruption style.
  • Primary factor that differentiates cinder cone and shield cone volcanoes: shape and eruption style.
  • What distinguishes lava dome volcanoes from cinder cone volcanoes: shape and eruption style.

Explore the characteristics of different types of volcanoes and understand why some are cone-shaped while others are shield-shaped. Learn about the unique features of each type and how they are differentiated based on size, composition, and explosiveness.

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