What characteristics do the four types of volcanoes have?

... but they are not all alike. The U.S. Geological Survey recognizes four principle volcano groups. Each volcano type has distinct features and characteristics. While most geologists agree on the classifications, there are some who argue current classification models do not include all types of volcanism. read more

Actually, there are different types of volcanoes—some are in fact very dangerous, while others are not. In order to understand the true nature of a volcano, it is important to know what kind it is. Generally, volcanologists divide volcanoes into four major types. read more

Cinder Cone: These are the most rare and shortest lived volcanoes. They are very steep and small, usually formed off of another volcano. Otherwise, they are very similar to composite volcanoes. read more

The characteristics that identify the different types of volcanoes include their form, size, types of eruptions and even the type of lava flows they produce. Fissure Volcanoes A fissure volcano, also referred to as a plateau basalt, is not what most people would envision at the mention of the word volcano. read more

One of the most common types of volcanoes is the cinder cone. Less dangerous compared to other types, cinder cones only grow to about 1,000-1,200 feet tall. Unlike some of the other types of volcanoes—namely, shield volcanoes and composite volcanoes—cinder cones are usually created from a single opening. read more

Shield Volcanoes: These are large, broad volcanoes that look like shields from above – hence the name. The lava that pours out of shield volcanoes is thin, so it can travel for great distances down the shallow slopes of the volcano. These volcanos build up slowly over time, with hundreds of eruptions, creating many layers. read more