It is composed of layers of ash and cinders alternating with lava. lt has a broad base and steep convex slopes. The above features are associated with a

Step 1: Analyze the question The description gives three clues:

• Layers of ash and cinders alternating with lava
• A broad base
• Steep convex slopes

We need to identify the landform with these features.

Step 2: Explain the concepts

• Batholith: A huge intrusive igneous body that cools underground. It is not built from layers of ash and lava, so it is out.
• Laccolith: A dome-shaped intrusion that forces overlying rock upward. It is also intrusive and has no ash or lava layers, so it is out.
• Shield volcano: Built almost entirely from fluid basaltic lava that flows far before cooling. It has gentle, wide slopes and no significant ash layers (e.g. Mauna Loa in Hawaii).
• Composite (strato) volcano: Built from alternating layers of explosive material (ash, cinders) and lava flows. The lava is thick and viscous, so it does not travel far. This gives steeper, concave or convex-looking slopes and a cone shape (e.g. Mount Fuji, Mount Vesuvius, Mount Etna).

Step 3: Match the clues

• Alternating ash/cinders and lava matches a composite cone, because it has both explosive and effusive eruptions.
• Steep slopes also fit a composite cone. A shield volcano's slopes are gentle.
• Batholith and laccolith are intrusive features and do not have ash or lava layers.

Step 4: Answer The correct option is D. composite cone.

Tip: Remember it this way:

• Shield = Slope is gentle, Smooth runny lava only.
• Composite = Combination of ash and lava, so steep slopes.
• If the question mentions "layers" of ash and lava together, think composite.