What are the characteristics of a cinder cone volcano?
A cinder cone volcano is constructed of pyroclastic fragments ejected from a central vent. Cinder cones generally slope about 30 degrees. Most of the ejected material lands near the vent during an eruption which builds up the cone to a peak. The steepness of slopes of accumulating loose material is limited by gravity to about 33 degrees. Cinder cones tend to be very much smaller than shield volcanoes. Cinder cones are commonly found around Hawaii’s shield volcanoes. Few cinder cones exceed a height of 500 meters.
