How are composite and shield volcanoes different?

How are composite and shield volcanoes different?

Composite volcanoes are tall, steep cones that produce explosive eruptions. Shield volcanoes form very large, gently sloped mounds from effusive eruptions.

What best characterizes a composite volcano?

Composite volcanoes have the following characteristics: Acidic lava, which is very viscous (sticky). Steep sides as the lava doesn’t flow very far before it solidifies. Alternate layers of ash and lava.

What do composite volcanoes and shield volcanoes have in common?

Shield volcanoes erupt quietly. Explosive stratovolcanoes, or composite volcanoes, have steep, symmetrical, conical shapes built up over time by alternating layers of lava flows, volcanic ash, cinders and other volcanic particles. A central vent or cluster of vents is at the summit.

What is the features of composite volcanoes?

Composite volcanoes consist of alternating layers of ash and lava flows. Known also as strato volcanoes, their shape is a symmetric cone with steep sides that rise as high as 8,000 feet. They form along Earth’s subduction zones where one tectonic plate pushes beneath another.

What is one way that cinder cones differ from composite and shield volcanoes?

What is one way that cinder cones differ from composite and shield volcanoes? Cinder cones are smaller than composite and shield volcanoes.

What materials make up composite volcanoes?

Composite volcanoes—also called stratovolcanoes—are named for their composition. These volcanoes are built from layers, or strata, of pyroclastic material, including lava, pumice, volcanic ash, and tephra. The layers stack on each other with each eruption.

How are composite volcanoes made?

Composite cone volcanoes are also called stratovolcanoes. They form when different types of eruptions deposit different materials around the sides of a volcano. Alternating eruptions of volcanic ash and lava cause layers to form. Over time these layers build up.

Why are composite volcanoes the most common type of volcano?

The lava of the composite volcano is thick and cannot flow too far from the vent. Because of its viscous lava, a composite volcano tends to form tall peaks rather than rounded cones. Are composite volcanoes the most common type of volcanoes? Composite volcanoes are the most common type of volcano on the Earth’s surface.

Are there any composite volcanoes in the Solar System?

To date, composite volcanoes have only been found on one other body in the solar system: Mars. Zephyria Tholus on Mars is believed to be an extinct stratovolcano. Composite volcano magma isn’t fluid enough to flow around obstacles and exit as a river of lava.

Why does a composite volcano form a caldera?

Because they are built of layers of viscous material, rather than fluid lava, composite volcanoes tend to form tall peaks rather than rounded cones. Sometimes the summit crater collapses to form a caldera. Composite volcanoes are responsible for the most catastrophic eruptions in history.

What are the consequences of a composite volcano?

Death and property damage aren’t the only consequences of composite volcanoes. Because they eject matter and gases into the stratosphere, they affect weather and climate. Particulates released by composite volcanoes yield colorful sunrises and sunsets.