Explain the three types of volcanoes based on their activity
Answers
Answer:
There are three main types of volcano - composite or strato, shield and dome.
1. Composite volcanoes -
sometimes known as strato volcanoes, are steep sided cones formed from layers of ash and [lava] flows.
The eruptions from these volcanoes may be a pyroclastic flow rather than a flow of lava.
A pyroclastic flow is a superheated mixture of hot steam, ash, rock and dust.
A pyroclastic flow can travel down the side of a volcano at very high speeds with temperatures over 400 degrees celsius.
Composite volcanoes can rise over 8000 feet.
2. Shield Volcanoes -
Shield volcanoes are low with gently sloping sides and are formed from layers of lava.
Eruptions are typically non-explosive. Shield volcanoes produce fast flowing fluid [lava] that can flow for many miles.
Eruptions tend to be frequent but relatively gentle.
Although these eruptions destroy property, death or injury to humans rarely occurs.
3. Dome (Acid Lava Cones) -
Acid [lava] is much thicker than [lava] which flows from shield volcanoes. Dome volcanoes have much steeper sides than shield volcanoes.
This is because the lava is thick and sticky.
It cannot flow very far before ot cools and hardens.
An example is Puy de Dome in the Auvergne region of France which last erupted over 1 million years ago.
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