Volcanoes form at plate boundaries and hot spots. The type of eruption depends on the magma composition and amount of trapped gases. Shield volcanoes produce basaltic lava flows in quiet eruptions building wide slopes. Cinder cones erupt explosively throwing granitic ash into steep cones. Composite volcanoes have characteristics of both and can erupt violently or quietly. Examples given are Mount St. Helens, Pinatubo, and Krakatau which all caused significant destruction and loss of life during powerful eruptions. Scientists monitor volcanoes for signs of impending eruptions like earthquakes or gas changes.