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Volcano Features
Geologists define four types of volcanoes: cinder cones, composite volcanoes, shield volcanoes and lava domes. Each volcano type has a set of distinct identifying features, including an accumulation of magma in a central chamber below the Earth̵7;s surface, a central pipe and a cone. The central pipe can develop branch pipes, which are more commonly referred to as lava tubes. They carry magma in lesser quantities than the central pipe.
The Rising of Magma
Generally, as magma rises up through the central pipe and forces the accumulation of volcanic layers, cracks appear in the Earth̵7;s surface. This can lead to a volcanic flow of lava during an eruption, or the magma may solidify in place without ever breaching the surface.
The Branch Pipe
A branch pipe is formed when magma enters cracks in the Earth as it rises through the central pipe. Telltale signs include the presence of solidified magma, clustered rock fragments called breccia and older rock fragments pushed up by the magmatic flow.
Stopgap or Expressway
Unless the branch pipe penetrates to the Earth̵7;s surface and results in a lava flow, the branch pipe ends where the magma can no longer exploit the cracks, resulting in an accumulation of magma in a secondary chamber called a sill. Although secondary to the central pipe, the existence of branch pipes can cause lava flows around the cone with little warning, posing a danger to humans and animals that venture close during periods of volcanic activity.