Which type of volcano has a cone shape and consists of layers of lava and ash?

The correct answer is a composite volcano, also known as a stratovolcano. This type of volcano is characterized by its steep, conical shape and is formed through the accumulation of various materials, primarily layers of lava flows, ash, and volcanic rock. The layering occurs due to the eruption styles of composite volcanoes, which can vary significantly. They often produce explosive eruptions that eject ash and debris into the atmosphere, which then settles around the vent and combines with lava flows to build up the layers that create their iconic shape.

In contrast, a cinder cone volcano is formed primarily from the accumulation of volcanic debris and tends to be smaller and less complex in structure, typically featuring a steep, conical hill. A shield volcano, on the other hand, is broader and has a gentle slope, primarily formed by the outpouring of low-viscosity lava that can flow over great distances. A fissure volcano consists of linear fractures through which lava erupts, leading to extensive lava flows rather than a conical mountain structure. Thus, the unique layering and conical shape associated with composite volcanoes distinguish them as the correct answer.