What are the Different Types of Volcanic Cones?
There are several main types of volcanic cones: shield, cinder, composite, and spatter. All volcanoes are caused by ruptures in the Earth’s crust which allow magma, hot gas, and chunks of debris to emerge, sometimes explosively. The cone of a volcano is a buildup of debris around the vent in the Earth’s crust; cones are classified by the substances they contain and the way in which they form. Different volcanic cones also act differently, so ascertaining the cone type of a volcano is extremely important, especially in populated areas.