Volcanoes

Differences:1. One main difference is the shape and size. As seen in the pictures, shield volcanoes and lava dome volcanoes have a gentle, wide slope while composite and cinder cone volcanoes have a steeper slope. The cinder cone is typically the smallest and is usually found in clusters. The composite volcano is typically the largest. Also, all types of volcanoes are made of different substances. Shield volcanoes are made up of basaltic lava, while cinder cones are made up entirely of pyroclastic material.2. Another main difference is the way that each volcano is formed. The smaller cinder cone volcano is formed when small bits of lava erupt from a volcanic vent and build up; the shield and lava dome volcanoes are both formed from slow moving lava hardening; the most voilent composite volcano is formed from a conduit system of magma that repeatedly releases volcanic material.3. The last main difference is the type of eruption each volcanoe has. The least violent of the four is the shield volcano; in this type of eruption, slow moving lava just flows for long distances. On the other hand, the lava dome and composite volcanoes are known for their violent, sudden eruptions that expel tons of hot rock and ash. The cinder cone's eruption is known for its tendency to violently shoot chunks of lava high into the air.

1) All are typically found at fault lines between tectonic plates.2) All eruptions produce gases, tephra, and mass amounts of heat.3) All evolve when molten lava is cooled.

Lava Dome

Composite

Cinder Cone

Shield

Similarities

Volcanoes

By: Shelby Funderburk

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