Facts About Volcanoes Volcanoes have long fascinated humankind with their incredible power and unpredictability. These geological wonders offer insight into our planet's inner workings and origins. Read on for some interesting facts about how volcanoes form, the different types that exist, and their impacts on climate, culture, and life on Earth and beyond! Volcanoes arise on Earth due to internal heating causing magma (molten rock) to rise towards the surface. The types of volcanoes we observe depends on factors like magma viscosity, gas content, surrounding rock composition, and tectonic plate boundaries. Major volcano types include: Shield Volcanoes Shield volcanoes are broad, gently sloping mountains formed by fluid basalt lava flows. Their wide, domed shapes resemble warrior shields. The Hawaiian Islands exemplify these massive features. Cinder Cones Built from ejected lava fragments and ash, cinder cones have steep, conical builds with bowl-shaped craters at the summit. ParĂc...