What causes volcanoes to be small?

Answer 1

Small volcanoes, often referred to as "cinder cone" volcanoes, are primarily caused by the eruption of relatively low-viscosity magma, which allows gas to escape easily. This results in explosive eruptions that produce small fragments of lava that accumulate around the vent. Additionally, the size can be influenced by the duration and frequency of eruptions; short-lived eruptions typically produce smaller structures. Geological factors such as the composition of the magma and the surrounding terrain also play a role in determining the size of a volcano.