Why are there three types of volcanoes?
The three types of volcanoes (shield, cinder cone, and composite) are formed by different types of eruptions and magma composition. Shield volcanoes have low-viscosity lava that flows easily, creating broad, gentle slopes. Cinder cone volcanoes erupt explosively with ash and small rock fragments, resulting in steep, conical shapes. Composite volcanoes have alternating eruptions of lava flows and explosive eruptions, resulting in a classic cone shape with layers of lava and ash.