Three Types of Volcanoes
Shield Volcanoes Low silica level Low silica level Low viscosity Lava Low viscosity Lava High or low levels of gas High or low levels of gas Low to medium explosivity Low to medium explosivity Flattened mound Flattened mound Resembles a warrior’s shield Resembles a warrior’s shield
Mauna Loa, Hawaii
Piton de la Fournaise
Surtsey, Finland
Composite Volcanoes High in silica High in silica High viscosity magma High viscosity magma High levels of gas High levels of gas Highly explosive Highly explosive Cone shaped Cone shaped Formed by layers of lava and ash Formed by layers of lava and ash
Mt. Rainier, Washington
Mt. Fuji, Japan
Mt. St. Helens, Washington
Cindercones Low silica lava Low silica lava High levels of gas High levels of gas “Fire-fountain” eruptions “Fire-fountain” eruptions Commonly found on the flanks of shield volcanoes Commonly found on the flanks of shield volcanoes Made from a pile of rock pieces Made from a pile of rock pieces Structurally weak Structurally weak
Pu'u ka Pele, Hawaii (on the flanks of Mauna Loa)
Floreana Island, Galapagos Floreana Island, Galapagos
Puu OO, Hawaii