What type of volcano is Mount Etna?

Mount Etna is classified as a stratovolcano, which is characterized by its layered structure formed from alternating eruptions of lava flows, ash, and volcanic rock. This type of volcano typically has a conical shape and is known for its explosive eruptions, making it distinct from other types of volcanoes.

Stratovolcanoes are found at convergent plate boundaries where an oceanic plate subducts beneath a continental plate, leading to the melting of mantle material and the creation of magma that ascends to the surface. Mount Etna, situated on the eastern coast of Sicily, has a history of both explosive and effusive eruptions, though its frequent activity is usually less intense compared to other stratovolcanoes like Mount St. Helens or Mount Fuji. This dual nature of its eruptions contributes to the diverse terrain and types of volcanic materials found in the region.

In contrast to this, shield volcanoes have gentle slopes and are predominantly formed by low-viscosity basaltic lava that flows over long distances, leading to a wide and broad profile. Cinder cone volcanoes are much smaller and formed from the accumulation of volcanic debris and tephra around a single vent, producing a steep, conical hill. Flood basalts