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There are three main types of volcanoes, each characterized by their shape, eruption style, and formation process:

1. Shield Volcanoes: These volcanoes have broad, gently sloping sides and are primarily built from low-viscosity basalt lava that can flow over long distances. Their eruptions tend to be relatively mild and non-explosive, creating large, dome-like structures. Examples include Mauna Loa in Hawaii.


2. Stratovolcanoes (Composite Volcanoes): Stratovolcanoes feature steep, conical profiles and are formed from alternating layers of lava flow, ash, and other volcanic debris. Their eruptions can be explosive due to the higher viscosity of their lava, which can trap gases. Mount St. Helens in the United States is a classic example.


3. Cinder Cone Volcanoes: These are the simplest type of volcano, characterized by steep slopes and built from small fragments of lava (cinders) ejected during eruptions. Cinder cone eruptions are generally short-lived and localized, forming a bowl-shaped crater at the summit. An example is Paricutin in Mexico.