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

Which volcanic landform rises steeply and is formed primarily from explosive eruptions?

1. Shield volcano

2. Cinder cone volcano

3. Composite volcano

4. Caldera

The correct answer is: Composite volcano

The volcanic landform that rises steeply and is primarily formed from explosive eruptions is the composite volcano. Composite volcanoes, also known as stratovolcanoes, are characterized by their tall, cone-shaped profiles and are built up from alternating layers of lava flows, ash, and volcanic rocks resulting from explosive eruptions. The explosive nature of these eruptions often occurs due to the high viscosity of the magma, which traps gases until they build up pressure and lead to more violent eruptions compared to other types of volcanoes. In contrast, shield volcanoes tend to have a broad, gently sloping shape and are primarily formed from the flow of low-viscosity basaltic lava, resulting in less explosive eruptions. Cinder cone volcanoes are generally smaller and built from the ejection of small fragments of lava that fall close to the vent, leading to a steep-sided structure, but they are typically not as large or as explosively formed as composite volcanoes. Calderas are large depressions that form after the collapse of a volcano following a significant eruption, but they are not a direct result of explosive eruptions in the same way that composite volcanoes are. Thus, composite volcanoes are distinctly recognized for their steep profiles and association with explosive