Types of Volcanoes

Fissure Volcano Occures where two tectonic plates have moved away or lateral to each other, creating an opening that allows lava to come to the surface.

Shield Volcano These volcanoes are huge in size. They are built by many layers of runny lava flows. Lava spills out of a central vent or group of vents.  They form gently sloping volcanoes, not tall sharp volcanoes. These volcanoes occur at hot spots that are not near the edge of a tectonic plate.

Composite Volcano Composite volcanoes, are formed by alternating layers of lava and rock fragments.  This is the reason they are called composite. Composite volcanoes often form impressive, snow-capped peaks Between eruptions they are often so quiet they seem extinct.  Composite volcanoes usually erupt in an explosive way. 

Ash-Cinder Volcano A cinder cone is a steep conical hill formed above a vent.  Cinder cones are among the most common volcanic landforms found in the world.  They aren't famous as their eruptions usually don't cause any loss of life.  The cones usually grow up in groups and they often occur near the base of composite volcanoes and shield volcanoes.

Caldera (Complex) Volcano A complex volcano is when you have a system of multiple volcanoes in one area. These volcanoes can include all of other types of volcanoes.