Classifications and Types of Volcanoes

Cinder Cone Volcano

Steep-sided, conical volcanoes formed by explosive eruptions of ash, cinders, and dust. the simplest type, has a wide crater and are the most abundant of the three major volcano types

Composite Cone Volcano

Tall and large symmetrical volcanoes composed of layers of lava flows and volcanic ash. They are formed from viscous, or sticky, lava that does not flow easily; have both explosive eruptions and effusive eruptions.

Mountain

broad landforms that are primarily formed by tectonic activity and erosion

Shield Volcano

Broad, gently sloping (not steep) volcanoes with a shape resembling a warrior's shield. They are formed from layers of cooled lava; characterized by non-explosive, effusive eruptions with the outpouring of lava flows

Active Volcanoes

volcanoes that have had at least one eruption during the past 10,000 years; still showing regular activity

Potentially Active Volcanoes

volcanoes are those that have no records of volcanic activity but is capable of erupting

Inactive or Dormant Volcanoes

have not erupted for the last 10,000 years and but may still have the potential to erupt in the future

Extinct Volcano

highly unlikely to erupt again because there is no longer any magma supply; has not erupted for millions of years; completely dead