A volcano forms when magma rises from below the Earth's surface due to its lower density than the surrounding solid rock. The main parts of a volcano include the vent, where magma escapes; the magma chamber, which is the source of magma; and the crater at the top. There are three main types of volcanoes classified by how they form - shield volcanoes which have wide, flat shapes from quiet eruptions; cinder cone volcanoes which are tall with steep sides and explosive eruptions; and composite volcanoes which have more destructive eruptions and form from layers of ash and lava.