Ohio Assessment for Educators (OAE) Integrated Science (024) Practice Exam

What type of eruptions do cinder cone volcanoes typically exhibit?

1. Explosive eruptions

2. Effusive eruptions

3. Weak eruptions

4. Catastrophic eruptions

The correct answer is: Explosive eruptions

Cinder cone volcanoes typically exhibit explosive eruptions. This type of volcanic activity occurs due to the rapid release of gas pressure when magma reaches the Earth's surface. In cinder cone volcanoes, the magma is generally low in viscosity, which allows gases to escape more easily. However, the presence of gas can lead to explosive eruptions that propel ash, cinders, and volcanic rocks into the air, creating a steep-sided cone shape as these materials accumulate around the vent. The explosive nature of these eruptions differentiates cinder cone volcanoes from other types, such as shield volcanoes, which usually produce more effusive eruptions characterized by the flowing of lava rather than explosive activity. Cinder cone eruptions can vary in intensity but are primarily known for their relatively short-lived, but highly explosive nature, leading to the accumulation of volcanic debris that forms the cone structure.