Science Olympiad Dynamic Planet Practice Test

What type of volcano is described as a group of small monogenetic volcanoes that each erupt only once?

1. Stratovolcanoes

2. Cinder cones

3. Shield volcanoes

4. Lava domes

The correct answer is: Cinder cones

The type of volcano described as a group of small monogenetic volcanoes that each erupt only once is indeed cinder cones. Cinder cone volcanoes are characterized by their conical shape and composition, primarily made up of volcanic ash, tephra, and small volcanic rocks called cinders. Each cinder cone erupts for a relatively short period and typically only once, resulting in the formation of a cone-shaped hill that often features a crater at its summit. These volcanoes can form in clusters or fields, which leads to the characteristic of being 'monogenetic,' meaning that each individual volcano has a single eruptive episode. This differentiates cinder cones from other types of volcanoes, such as stratovolcanoes, which can have multiple eruptive phases over their lifetime, and shield volcanoes, known for their broad, gently sloping sides formed by the flow of low-viscosity lava. Cinder cones are among the simplest volcanoes, making them an iconic representation of volcanic activity, especially in regions with a history of basaltic eruptions. Their formation and eruption patterns offer valuable insight into volcanic processes and the nature of magma generation in the Earth's crust.