There are three main types of volcano - composite or strato, shield and dome. Composite volcanoes can rise over 8000 feet. When composite volcanoes erupt they are explosive and pose a threat to nearby life and property. Shield Shield volcanoes have gently sloping sides and are formed from layers of lava.
Eruptions are typically non-explosive.
Examples of shield volcanoes include the Hawaiian volcanoes . Although these eruptions destroy property, death or injury to humans rarely occurs. Dome volcanoes have much steeper sides than shield volcanoes. This is because the lava is thick and sticky. It cannot flow very far before ot cools and hardens.