Types of Volcanoes: Volcanoes come in various types: shield volcanoes (Mauna Loa) with broad slopes and effusive lava, stratovolcanoes (e.g., Mount St. Helens) featuring steep cones and explosive eruptions, and cinder cone volcanoes (e.g., Paricutin) with steep, conical shapes formed by basaltic to andesitic lava explosions.
In this article, We have covered the list of Different types of Volcanoes in Detail.
Let’s dive right in.
Table of Content
Types of Volcanoes Overview
The following are the types of Volcanoes Overview:
| Type of Volcano | Shape | Composition of Lava | Eruption Style | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shield Volcano | Broad, gently sloping profile | Basaltic lava | Effusive eruptions, less explosive | Mauna Loa, Mauna Kea (Hawaii) |
| Stratovolcano | Steep-sided, symmetrical cone | Andesitic to rhyolitic | Explosive eruptions with ash and lava flows | Mount St. Helens (USA), Mount Fuji (Japan) |
| Cinder Cone | The steep, conical hill | Basaltic to andesitic | Explosive eruptions, often short-lived | Paricutin (Mexico), Sunset Crater (USA) |
| Lava Dome | Dome-shaped mass of viscous lava | Andesitic to rhyolitic | Gradual extrusion, potential for collapse | Mount St. Helens (post-1980 eruption), Novarupta (USA) |
| Caldera | Large, circular depression | Variable | Explosive eruptions, often leading to collapse | Yellowstone Caldera (USA), Lake Toba Caldera (Indonesia) |
Types of Volcanoes Based Activity
Based on their activity, volcanoes are of three major types. Which are following:
- Active Volcano: An active volcano is one that has erupted recently and poses a significant threat to future eruptions.
- Dormant Volcano: A dormant volcano is one that has not undergone a volcanic eruption in a significant period of time yet remains capable of erupting in the future.
- Dead/Extinct Volcano: A dead/extinct volcano is one that erupted thousands of years ago, and there is no possibility of future eruptions.
Types of Volcanoes on the Basis of Eruption
Volcanoes are classified into four major types on the basis of eruption:
1. Cinder Cones
Cinder cones are the most basic type of volcanos:
- They are created from the particles and blobs of solidified lava that are thrown out from a single vent.
- When the lava is violently ejected into the air, it breaks into small fragments that then harden and fall as cinders around the vent.
- This process creates a circular or oval cone-like structure.
- Most of the cinder cones have a bowl-shaped crater at their summit and usually do not rise more than a thousand feet above their surroundings.
- These types of volcanoes can erupt spectacularly, but their eruptions are usually short-lived.
2. Composite Volcanoes
Composite volcanoes are also known as stratovolcanoes:
- They are characterized by their layered structure, formed from alternating eruptions of lava flows, ash, and rocks.
- This layering happens due to a blend of explosive activity and slower, flowing lava eruptions.
- The eruptions from these volcanoes are often explosive, creating a diverse range of materials that contribute to their distinct, multi-layered composition.
- This process creates steep, symmetrical cones with a central crater, often found along tectonic plate boundaries.
3. Shield Volcanoes
Shield volcanoes are named for their broad, sloping sides, resembling a warrior’s shield:
- They form through the accumulation of fluid, low-viscosity lava that flows easily over great distances.
- This type of lava, primarily basalt, creates long, gentle inclines and results in wide, expansive structures.
- Unlike steep stratovolcanoes, shield volcanoes are not characterized by explosive eruptions but rather by peaceful lava flows, creating vast, gradually built landscapes over time.
4. Lava Volcanoes
Lava volcanoes are also known as effusive volcanoes:
- They boast a unique structure primarily characterized by gentle slopes.
- These slopes result from the flow of low-viscosity lava that spreads far and wide rather than exploding.
- This lava, typically rich in basalt, cools and forms broad, shield-like shapes, distinguishing these volcanoes from their more explosive counterparts.
- This structure allows lava volcanoes to create vast landscapes marked by their expansive, gradually sloping profiles.
Types of Volcanoes Based explosive activity
Based on their degree of explosive activity, volcanoes are classified into six major types:
1. Hawaiian Type
Hawaiian-type volcanic activity is the gentlest form, characterized by flowing, thin lava and minimal explosions. This lava spreads widely, sometimes creating delicate, hair-like strands known as “Pele’s hair” when caught in the wind. These volcanoes release gases quietly, exemplified by those in Hawaii, making for a less violent eruption compared to other types.
2. Strombolian Type
Strombolian-type eruptions, named after Italy’s Stromboli Volcano, are moderately explosive. They feature thick, sticky lava that’s ejected skywards, creating lava bombs and scoria-porous rock fragments. These eruptions aren’t continuously violent, but they can suddenly burst with fiery energy, showcasing nature’s unpredictable power.
3. Vulcanian Type
Vulcanian-type of volcanic activity is known for its occasional explosiveness. Characterized by thick, fast-hardening lava, these eruptions forcefully eject vast amounts of rock fragments. Enormous gas plumes shoot up, resembling a cauliflower shape, creating a spectacular yet formidable sight. A classic example of this phenomenon is witnessed at Vulcano in Lipari, Sicily.
4. Vesuvian Type
Vesuvian type refers to a highly explosive volcanic activity, similar to Italy’s famous Vesuvius. In this type, magma bursts explosively due to its high gas content. This eruption forms a towering, cauliflower-shaped column of gases, carrying a plethora of fragmented materials skyward. Such powerful displays showcase nature’s intense force during volcanic eruptions.
5. Pelean Type
Pelean type, named after Mont Pelee in Martinique, describes a highly explosive volcanic activity. This occurs when thick, viscous magma creates a solid cap over the volcano, forcing gas and molten rock to burst out through the volcano’s sides. These violent eruptions can send devastating avalanches of hot gases and lava down the slopes, posing significant dangers.
6. Plinian Type
Plinian type degree of explosive activity in volcanism is characterized by extremely violent eruptions. During such events, vast amounts of gases and volcanic materials shoot up into the sky, forming a cauliflower-like column that reaches great heights. These eruptions produce large fragmental debris without the discharge of lava. One well-known example is the eruption that buried Pompeii and Herculaneum, as vividly described by Pliny the Younger in his letters to Tacitus. Another tragic incident occurred in 1851 when the eruption of Mount Pelee claimed the lives of 40,000 people.
Conclusion on Types of Volcanoes
Volcanoes are wonderful natural wonders, each with its unique characteristics. They can be active, dormant, or extinct, depending on when they last erupted. The way they erupt also varies – some explode violently, while others ooze lava gently. Structurally, we see different shapes like the tall, symmetrical strato-volcanoes or the broad, flat shield volcanoes. And finally, the level of explosiveness can range from calm lava flows to powerful, sky-high blasts. Each volcano has its own personality, showcasing a breathtaking exhibition of the immense power of our planet.
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FAQs on Types of Volcanoes
1. Define active, dormant and extinct volcanoes.
- An active volcano is one that has erupted recently and poses a significant threat of future eruptions.
- A dormant volcano is one that has not erupted in a significant period of time but is still capable of erupting in the future.
- An extinct volcano is one that erupted thousands of years ago and is no longer capable of erupting in the future.
2. How are volcanoes formed?
Volcanoes are formed when hot, liquid rock, called magma, rises to the Earth’s surface. This happens because of the movements of the Earth’s tectonic plates beneath the ground. When the pressure builds up, magma pushes through weak spots, causing volcanic eruptions. Over time, these eruptions create a mountain with a cone shape, which is called a volcano. Volcanoes can be found all around the world and play a big part in shaping our planet’s landscape.
3. What are the types of volcanoes based on their explosive activity?
Volcanoes are classified into six major types based on their explosive activity:
- Hawaiian Type
- Strombolian Type
- Vulcanian Type
- Vesuvian Type
- Pelean Type
- Plinian Type
4. Give examples of volcanic mountains formed due to central eruptions.
Examples of volcanic mountains formed due to central eruption include:
- Mt. Kilimanjaro in Africa
- Fujiyama in Japan
- Vesuvius and Mount Etna in Italy
5. What are the characteristics of a composite cone volcano?
Composite volcanoes, also known as stratovolcanoes, are characterized by their layered structure, formed from alternating eruptions of lava flows, ash, and rocks. This layering happens due to a blend of explosive activity and slower, flowing lava eruptions. The eruptions from these volcanoes are often explosive, creating a diverse range of materials that contribute to their distinct, multi-layered composition. This process creates steep, symmetrical cones with a central crater, often found along tectonic plate boundaries.