Volcanoes are openings in the Earth's crust through which magma and gases erupt. There are several types of volcanoes defined by their structure and eruptive activity. Shield volcanoes have gentle slopes and erupt non-violently, building up over time. Composite and cinder cone volcanoes have steeper slopes and more explosive eruptions. Caldera volcanoes form large depressions when the magma chamber collapses. Volcanic activity occurs at plate boundaries and hot spots due to pressure from shifting crust and rising magma. Eruptions damage property and endanger life through lava, ash, pyroclastic flows, and toxic gases.