GEOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Composite volcanoes are also called stratovolcanoes. Some geologists avoid the use of the term “stratovolcano” because these volcanoes typically are not stratified and do not consist of orderly layers of lava flows and pyroclastic deposits.

Detailed explanation-2: -Stratovolcanoes, also known as composite cone volcanoes, erupt viscous lava that forms a steep-sided, triangular-shaped structure.

Detailed explanation-3: -Strato volcanoes are usually about half-half lava and pyroclastic material, and the layering of these products gives them their other common name of composite volcanoes.

Detailed explanation-4: -Stratovolcanoes such as Mayon Volcano in the Philippines, Mount Momotombo in Nicaragua, and Ol Doinyo Lengai in Tanzania are steep cones built by both pyroclastic and lava-flow eruptions. The cone-shaped form slopes up gradually and becomes steeper (up to 35°) toward the summit, which generally contains a crater.

Detailed explanation-5: -Stratovolcanoes, also called composite volcanoes, are typically steep-sided, symmetrical cones built of alternating layers of lava flows, volcanic ash, and other eruptive products (see animation courtesy of Exploring the Environment).