Exploring Types of Volcanoes

Volcanoes are natural vents in the Earth's crust that release lava, rock fragments, vapor, and gases. They are categorized into three main types: composite cone, shield, and cinder cone volcanoes. Composite cone volcanoes, like Mount St. Helens, are tall and explosive due to their viscous lava. Shield volcanoes, such as those forming the Hawaiian Islands, have broad, gently sloped sides due to fluid lava. Cinder cone volcanoes are steep and built from volcanic fragments, growing quickly but not very tall. Each type has distinct characteristics based on size, composition, and eruptive style.

What are volcanoes primarily known for?

• Producing earthquakes

• Ejecting lava, rock fragments, hot vapor, and gases

• Creating tsunamis

• Forming mountains

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

Which type of volcano is compared to a quarterback in a football team?

• Lava dome volcano

• Composite cone volcano

• Cinder cone volcano

• Shield volcano

What is the primary reason for the explosive nature of composite cone volcanoes?

• Their height

• The thick, highly viscous lava they produce

• Their location

• The presence of water

Which volcano buried the ancient Roman city of Pompeii in 79 AD?

• Mount Vesuvius

• Mount Etna

• Mount St. Helens

• Mount Rainier

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

What shape do shield volcanoes resemble when viewed from above?

• A dome

• A pyramid

• A cone

• A warrior's shield

Why do shield volcanoes have gently sloped sides?

• Because of the fluid lava that spreads out in all directions

• Due to the presence of multiple vents

• Because of frequent eruptions

• Due to their height

What are the volcanic fragments called that build up cinder cone volcanoes?

• Lava bombs

• Ash

• Cinders or scoria

• Pumice

Which type of volcano is most similar to the classic science-fair volcano?

• Lava dome volcano

• Composite cone volcano

• Cinder cone volcano

• Shield volcano

Which states in the US have a number of cinder cone volcanoes?

• Florida, Texas, and New York

• California, Oregon, and Alaska

• Nevada, Utah, and Arizona

• Washington, Idaho, and Montana

What are the main factors that differentiate the types of volcanoes?

• Age, height, and width

• Frequency of eruptions and type of lava

• Size, shape, composition, and eruptive style

• Color, temperature, and location