Types of Volcanoes Overview

The following are the types of Volcanoes Overview:

Type of Volcano Shape Composition of Lava Eruption Style Examples
Shield Volcano Broad, gently sloping profile Basaltic lava Effusive eruptions, less explosive Mauna Loa, Mauna Kea (Hawaii)
Stratovolcano Steep-sided, symmetrical cone Andesitic to rhyolitic Explosive eruptions with ash and lava flows Mount St. Helens (USA), Mount Fuji (Japan)
Cinder Cone The steep, conical hill Basaltic to andesitic Explosive eruptions, often short-lived Paricutin (Mexico), Sunset Crater (USA)
Lava Dome Dome-shaped mass of viscous lava Andesitic to rhyolitic Gradual extrusion, potential for collapse Mount St. Helens (post-1980 eruption), Novarupta (USA)
Caldera Large, circular depression Variable Explosive eruptions, often leading to collapse Yellowstone Caldera (USA), Lake Toba Caldera (Indonesia)

Types of Volcanoes with Digram

Types of Volcanoes: Volcanoes come in various types: shield volcanoes (Mauna Loa) with broad slopes and effusive lava, stratovolcanoes (e.g., Mount St. Helens) featuring steep cones and explosive eruptions, and cinder cone volcanoes (e.g., Paricutin) with steep, conical shapes formed by basaltic to andesitic lava explosions.

In this article, We have covered the list of Different types of Volcanoes in Detail.

Let’s dive right in.

Table of Content

  • What are Volcanoes?
  • Types of Volcanoes According to Activity
  • Types of Volcanoes on the Basis of Eruption
  • Types of Volcanoes Categorized by Explosive Activity
  • Conclusion

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Conclusion on Types of Volcanoes

Volcanoes are wonderful natural wonders, each with its unique characteristics. They can be active, dormant, or extinct, depending on when they last erupted. The way they erupt also varies – some explode violently, while others ooze lava gently. Structurally, we see different shapes like the tall, symmetrical strato-volcanoes or the broad, flat shield volcanoes. And finally, the level of explosiveness can range from calm lava flows to powerful, sky-high blasts. Each volcano has its own personality, showcasing a breathtaking exhibition of the immense power of our planet....

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1. Define active, dormant and extinct volcanoes....