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When we think of volcanoes, we often perceive the concept that we usually see in
Hollywood movies hazardous, harmful, damaging and catastrophic volcanoes.
Although that is pretty much the truth, but actually there are many different types of
volcanoes. Some of these volcanoes are actually very dangerous, while others are not.
In order to understand the true nature and catastrophic characteristics of a volcano, it is
important to know about the different types of volcanoes.
Generally, volcanologists divide volcanoes into 4 major types, which will be discussed
later in this article. For now, let us have a brief look at what is a volcano?
What is a Volcano?
Before we move forward to our main topic of discussion, which is the different types of
volcanoes, it is recommended to first understand that what is a volcano?
Definition of Volcano:
A simple explanation of what is a volcano can be understood by the following definition
of volcano:
A volcano is a vent that directly connects magma to the surface of the Earth.
3 States of Volcanoes:
There are 3 states of volcanoes, which are important to understand to grasp the topic
completely. These 3 states of volcanoes are:
1. Extinct Volcanoes
2. Dormant Volcanoes
3. Active Volcanoes
Explanation of these 3 states of volcanoes is given below:
1. Extinct Volcanoes:
Extinct volcanoes are those volcanoes which have become dead or extinct. Extinct
volcanoes are declared extinct, and hence, they will never erupt again.
2. Dormant Volcanoes:
Like the name suggests, Dormant Volcanoes are those volcanoes that have been in the
state of sleep or dormancy for a very long period of time. Commonly, dormant
volcanoes are those volcanoes that have not erupted for at least 2,000 years ago.
However, dormant volcanoes are not extinct, and hence, can erupt at any stage of time.
3. Active Volcanoes:
Unlike Extinct Volcanoes and Dormant Volcanoes, Active Volcanoes are considered as
immediate threats. Active Volcanoes are those volcanoes that erupt lava, gases and/or
show seismic activities. An active volcano may have erupted recently, and is always at a
risk of erupting again.
Paricutin in Mexico
Lava Bute
Sunset Crater
2. Shield Volcanoes:
big
as
it
The structure of shield volcanoes can be understood as tall and broad, but with
flat round shapes around it. In comparison with some of the other types of volcanoes,
shield volcanoes have low slopes.
Because of their large structures, shield volcanoes can be huge. For example, Mauna
Loa is a shield volcano that is over 30,000 feet above sea level.
Some Famous Shield Volcanoes:
Hualalai
Mauna Loa
Kohala Volcano
3. Composite Volcanoes:
Composite
as Str
towards its sides. Generally, such lava domes are found on the
flanks of larger composite volcanoes.