How is composite volcano different from the others?

Principal Types of Volcanoes. Geologists generally group volcanoes into four main kinds--cinder cones, composite volcanoes, shield volcanoes, and lava domes. ... so above their surroundings. Cinder cones are numerous in western North America as well as throughout other volcanic terrains of the world. read more

Composite Volcano. Introduction A composite volcano is also known as a stratovolcano. These volcanoes form tall, conical shaped mountains. Most of the Earth's active volcanoes have formed a ring around the Pacific Ocean. There are 452 stratovolcanoes in the Pacific Ring of Fire. The volcanoes are located in a volcanic arc on the continental side of subduction zones. read more

The essential feature of a composite volcano is a conduit system through which magma from a reservoir deep in the Earth's crust rises to the surface. The volcano is built up by the accumulation of material erupted through the conduit and increases in size as lava, cinders, ash, etc., are added to its slopes. read more

Let's take a closer look at these three main types of volcanoes. Composite Cone Volcanoes. Composite cone volcanoes, which are also called 'stratovolcanoes' or simply 'composite volcanoes,' are cone-shaped volcanoes composed of layers of lava, ash and rock debris. Composite cone volcanoes are grand sites and can grow to heights of 8,000 feet or more. read more