How does a shield and strato volcano erupt and why?

Shield volcanoes are the type you see in Hawaii and Iceland, resembling an upturned warrior's shield with boss. This is because the magma they produce is very low in gas, so erupts like a pot boiling over, rather than exploding. read more

Shield volcanoes are only one of several types of volcanoes. Lava domes are formed by viscous lava that comes to the surface. They can be quite explosive, but the lava does not flow far following an eruption. read more

A dormant stratovolcano has steep concave sides that sweep together at the top around a relatively small crater. Stratovolcanoes are also similar to shield volcanoes in the sense that both originate from a volcano that has erupted several times. read more

By Laura Wormuth; Updated April 25, 2017 Stratovolcanoes, also known as composite cones, are the most dangerous type of volcano because of their explosive nature. read more

According to the University of Wisconsin, a stratovolcano is characterized by a highly explosive eruption with ash plumes rising as high as 27 miles into the stratosphere. Stratovolcanos are one of the most deadly volcano types and can reach up to 8,000 feet in height. read more