Question

What are volcanoes classified as on the basis of their shape and composition? Give examples.

Answer 1

Instruction: This is a memory based question. Draw a flowchart highlighting the three types and give an example of each type.

Answer:
Based on their shape and composition, Volcanoes can be classified as:

Shield Volcanoes: Contains low silica content and are formed due to quiet explosions. It has a wide base and gentle sloped cone. Examples include the Hawaii islands.

Cinder-Cone Volcanoes: Composed of cinder and ash which are a result of explosive eruption of silica rich volcanoes. The volcanoes of this type also have steep slopes. Examples include volcanoes found in Mexico and central America.

Composite volcanoes: These are volcanoes where there are alternating layers made up of ash, cinder and lava. Example is St. Helens volcano