- Ash and cinder volcanoes have steep sides but aren't very tall. When they erupt, small solid fragments of rock and ash come out of the volcano.
- Acid lava cone volcanoes are full of magma, which we call lava once it reaches the surface. These volcanoes erupt with very slow moving, thick lava that doesn't travel far. As the lava cools and hardens, it forms new soil and rock, giving the volcano its cone shape.
- Shield volcanoes are also made of hardened lava. When they erupt, their lava flows are very thin and runny. The lava spreads out and becomes new soil, making these volcanoes very large with gentle sloping sides.
- Composite cone volcanoes are the most common. They are very tall, and they erupt with runny lava followed by explosive thick lava. They also have a lot of ash. These volcanoes have very steep sides because the ash and thick lava cools and becomes part of the surface.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of volcanoe worksheet.
