Shield volcanoes are flat and broad and are built almost entirely of fluid Lava flowing from time to time in all directions from a central point of a group of different points. These flows ultimately result in a broad shape with a slight slope. Composite volcanoes are mostly steep-sided symmetrically shaped and of large dimensions. These volcanoes have several layers of lava. The most essential feature of these volcanoes is its channel system through which volcanic emission (magma) deep in the earth's crust rises to the surface. Cinder cone volcanoes are the most common kind of volcanoes. They are steep sided cones of basaltic fragments and are smaller and simpler as compared to composite volcanoes. Most of them have a bowl-shaped crater and rarely rise more than a thousand feet or so above their surroundings. You can find more on these volcanoes and the processes at this link vulcan.wr.usgs.gov style="">