What are the factors that distinguish the three major types of volcanoes?

The three major types of volcanoes—shield, stratovolcano, and cinder cone—are distinguished by their shape, eruption style, and composition. Shield volcanoes have broad, gently sloping sides and primarily produce low-viscosity basaltic lava, resulting in non-explosive eruptions. Stratovolcanoes, or composite volcanoes, feature steeper profiles and are characterized by explosive eruptions due to more viscous lava, often composed of andesite or rhyolite. Cinder cone volcanoes are the smallest, with steep slopes built from volcanic ash, tephra, and lava fragments, typically resulting in short-lived explosive eruptions.