Which volcano type is a combination of cinder cones and shield volcanoes, with alternating violent and quiet eruptions?

Which volcano type is a combination of cinder cones and shield volcanoes, with alternating violent and quiet eruptions?

• A. Shield Volcanoes
• B. Composite Volcanoes
• C. Cinder Cones
• D. Lava Domes

Answer: (B)

Composite volcanoes, also called stratovolcanoes, are built from alternating layers of erupted tephra and solidified lava. This results from cycles of violent explosive eruptions followed by quieter lava effusion, which pile up ash, pumice, and volcanic bombs alongside cooled lava to form a tall, steep-sided cone. The description of a volcano that combines elements of cinder cones and shield volcanoes—with alternating violent and quiet eruptions—fits this type because its layered structure reflects both explosive debris and lava flows. Shield volcanoes produce broad, gentle slopes from low-viscosity lava, not alternating eruptions; cinder cones are small, steep piles built mainly from tephra with little lava flow; lava domes form from viscous magma near vents without the characteristic alternating layered build. Thus, the best answer is the composite volcano.

Composite volcanoes, also called stratovolcanoes, are built from alternating layers of erupted tephra and solidified lava. This results from cycles of violent explosive eruptions followed by quieter lava effusion, which pile up ash, pumice, and volcanic bombs alongside cooled lava to form a tall, steep-sided cone. The description of a volcano that combines elements of cinder cones and shield volcanoes—with alternating violent and quiet eruptions—fits this type because its layered structure reflects both explosive debris and lava flows. Shield volcanoes produce broad, gentle slopes from low-viscosity lava, not alternating eruptions; cinder cones are small, steep piles built mainly from tephra with little lava flow; lava domes form from viscous magma near vents without the characteristic alternating layered build. Thus, the best answer is the composite volcano.