Shield volcanoes have low, gentle slopes formed by slow-moving lava flows from frequent but relatively gentle eruptions. They typically form at constructive plate boundaries like those creating the Hawaiian Islands. Composite volcanoes are taller with steeper slopes, forming hardened layers of lava, ash, and rock from more explosive eruptions.

1. - Shield/ Composite Types of Volcano

2. Shield Volcanoes A Shield Volcano is a very wide volcano with low and gentle slopes making the lava flow very slow when the volcano erupts. Many of the largest volcanoes on earth are shield volcanoes. Some shield volcanoes grow to be huge, the most famous shield volcanoes are the ones found in Hawaii. Shield Volcanoes are usually found on constructive plate boundaries Shield volcanoes are made up from small eruptions of lava leaking onto the surface and building up creating the low gentle slopes. Eruptions seem to often but relatively gentle.

3. Diagram of a Shield Volcano Picture From:http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/geography/platetectonics/volcanoesrev3.shtml

4. Composite Volcanoes A composite volcano, is a tall, conical volcano with many layers (strata) of hardened lava, tephra, and volcanic ash.