Final answer:
Volcanoes come in three forms: composite (stratovolcanoes) with steep sides and viscous andesitic lava, shield volcanoes with gentle slopes and fluid basaltic lava, and cinder cone volcanoes made of airfall lava fragments surrounding their vents. Tectonics, magma type, and eruptive style interplay to form these structures, influencing volcanic hazards and the environment.
Step-by-step explanation:
There are three primary types of volcanoes: composite, shield, and cinder cone. Composite volcanoes, also known as stratovolcanoes, are characterized by steep-sided cones resulting from layers of ash and lava accumulations. Their eruptions often involve andesitic lava, which is viscous. Shield volcanoes have gentle slopes, are broad and cover large areas due to their fluid basaltic lava flows. By contrast, cinder cone volcanoes are the smallest type, built from ejected lava fragments that solidify in the air and accumulate around the vent.
Volcanism is closely related to tectonic processes, such as plate boundaries and hot spots, crafting the Earth's diverse landforms. The type of lava and magma involved determines the volcano's shape and eruption style, hence the association between magma type, volcano type, and eruptive style. The combination of these geological events and materials contribute to various volcanic hazards that affect the atmosphere and climate, shaping life on Earth.