Compere shield volcanoes and composite volcanoes?

Answer 1

Shield volcanoes are lower in elevation and usually not exposive, such as Kilauea, which has been constantly 'erupting' since the 80s.

Composite volcanoes (aka stratovolcano) are large, usually somewhat cone shaped and appear dormant/extinct until an explosive eruption.

Examples are Krakatoa (awesome example), Vesuvius, Pinatubo, Rainier, St Helens and many more.

Shield volcanoes typically occur on mid-oceanic 'hot spots' while composites/stratovolcanoes occur on tectonic plate boundaries. The "ring of fire" around the pacific plate has many strato/composite volcanoes and Hawaii's Kilauea is in the center on a 'hot spot'

*Skylla*

Answer 2

Shield volcanoes have broad, gently sloping sides due to the low viscosity of their basaltic lava flows, which can travel long distances. In contrast, composite volcanoes have steeper sides due to the higher viscosity of their lava, which results in alternating layers of lava and ash. Composite volcanoes are typically more explosive than shield volcanoes due to the build-up of pressure inside the volcano.