Strombolian and Vulcanian eruptions are more explosive than Icelandic and Hawaiian eruptions.

Strombolian eruptions are named for the volcanic island off of the coast of Italy. Stromboli has erupted over many centuries almost constantly. Stromboli has been named the "Lighthouse of the Mediterranean" because it erupts every 20 minutes or so.

Strombolian eruptions are short lived explosive eruptions that shoot very thick and pasty lava into the air along with bursts of steam and gas.

Strombolian eruptions usually produce little or no lava. Because of this the cones that are produced by this type of eruption is a very steep sided cone called a cinder cone.

The photo shows a strombolian eruption taking place from a cinder cone.

Click on the "Next" button to view another cone shape.