Types of volcanoes
I can name the key features of volcanoes and explain how composite and shield volcanoes are formed.
Types of volcanoes
I can name the key features of volcanoes and explain how composite and shield volcanoes are formed.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- There are two main types of volcano: composite and shield volcanoes.
- Composite volcanoes are usually found at destructive plate boundaries and they are highly explosive volcanoes
- Shield volcanoes are usually found at constructive plate boundaries.
- Some eruptions are explosive, whereas others are effusive.
Keywords
Crust - the outer layer of Earth where our continents and oceans are and is the layer on which we live
Magma - molten or semi-molten rock underground
Mantle - the layer between Earth’s outer core and crust. It is the largest layer of Earth and is mostly semi-molten lava
Destructive plate boundary - a boundary where two tectonic plates move together causing volcanoes and earthquakes
Constructive plate boundary - a boundary where two tectonic plates move apart, causing volcanic eruptions and earthquakes
Common misconception
Lava and magma can be used interchangeably.
Magma is molten rock underground, whereas lava is molten rock above Earth's surface.
To help you plan your year 8 geography lesson on: Types of volcanoes, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 8 geography lesson on: Types of volcanoes, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
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