What type of volcano produces alternate layers of ash and cinder?

The type of volcano that produces alternate layers of ash and cinder is known as a composite volcano. Composite volcanoes, also referred to as stratovolcanoes, are characterized by their structure which consists of a combination of explosive eruptions and lava flows. This results in layered deposits of various materials, including ash, cinder, lava, and volcanic rock.

During eruptions, these volcanoes expel clouds of ash and volcanic gases, which settle on the flanks of the volcano, forming layers of ash. Additionally, cinder, which consists of small volcanic rock fragments, is produced during explosive eruptions and adds to the layer formation. The characteristic shape of composite volcanoes—steep-sided and conical—is formed by the interleaving of these materials over time.

This layering process distinguishes composite volcanoes from other types, as shield volcanoes primarily produce broad, gently sloping surfaces due to the fluidity of their lava flows without significant ash deposits. Dome volcanoes, on the other hand, are formed from viscous lava that piles up near the vent, resulting in their dome-like appearance, with less emphasis on the layering seen in composite volcanoes. Therefore, composite volcanoes stand out for their distinctive layering of both ash and c