A lava dome is the smallest of the volcanoes. It is most often formed
on the side of a larger volcano after it has erupted. The lava dome is composed mostly of
lava.
Here is an example of a lava dome. It is the smaller mound
in the foreground.
A cinder cone is the second smallest of the volcanoes. It is composed
primarily of pyroclastics, it contains very little molten material.
Here is an example of a cinder cone.
A shield volcano is much larger than a lava dome or cinder cone. It has a
very large base, but is not very tall. It is composed primarily of lava. The Hawaiian Islands
are a classic example of a shield volcano. They were formed by a plume deep under the ocean
that erupted and built up over thousands of years to form the chain.
Here is an example of a shield volcano.
A composite/strato-volcano is the classic example of a volcano. It is a
steep sided cone made mostly of layered ash and pyroclastics. It is the largest and tallest of
the volcanoes.
Here is an example of a composite/stato-volcano.
Link to Northern Michigan University
Latest update to this document: 14 November 2001
K. Coon : kcoon@nmu.edu.