Answer:

Answer:

Volcanoes are frequently classified by their size and shape (as is described in the section Volcanic landforms), but they can also be classified by their eruptive habits. Indeed, the type of volcanic eruption that occurs plays an important role in the evolution of a volcanic landform, thus forming a significant link between eruptive habit and volcanic structure. In general, eruptions can be categorized as either effusive or explosive. Effusive eruptions involve the outpouring of basaltic magma that is relatively low in viscosity and in gas content. Explosive eruptions generally involve magma that is more viscous and has a higher gas content. Such magma is often shattered into pyroclastic fragments by explosive gas expansion during an eruption.

In more-detailed classification schemes based on character of eruption, volcanic activity and volcanic areas are commonly divided into six major types, shown schematically in the diagram. They are listed as follows in order of increasing degree of explosiveness