Types of Volcanoes:

Shield Volcanoes:
- Shield volcanoes have a broad, gently sloping shape resembling a warrior's shield.
- They are formed by the eruption of low-viscosity basaltic lava, which flows easily and covers large areas.
- These volcanoes have frequent eruptions that are generally not explosive.

Composite Volcanoes:
- Composite volcanoes, also known as stratovolcanoes, have a tall, steep-sided cone shape.
- They are formed by alternating layers of lava flows, ash, and volcanic rocks.
- These volcanoes have explosive eruptions due to the build-up of pressure from trapped gases.

Cinder Cone Volcanoes:
- Cinder cone volcanoes are the smallest type of volcano, with steep sides and a bowl-shaped crater at the summit.
- They are formed by the eruption of tephra, which consists of rock fragments and ash.
- These volcanoes have short-lived eruptions that are typically not very explosive.

Key Differences:
- Shield volcanoes have a broad, gently sloping shape, while composite volcanoes have a tall, steep-sided cone shape.
- Composite volcanoes have alternating layers of lava flows, ash, and volcanic rocks, while cinder cone volcanoes are formed by tephra eruptions.
- Shield volcanoes have low-viscosity basaltic lava, while composite volcanoes have more viscous magma.
- Composite volcanoes have explosive eruptions, while shield volcanoes have non-explosive eruptions.
Understanding these differences can help in identifying and classifying different types of volcanoes based on their characteristics and eruption patterns.