GEOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -They are built of alternating layers of lava flows, volcanic ash, and cinders. Famous composite volcanoes include Mount Fuji in Japan, Mount Shasta and Mount Lassen in California, Mount St. Helens and Mount Rainier in Washington State, Mount Hood in Oregon, and Mount Etna in Italy.

Detailed explanation-2: -Mount St. Helens is an example of a composite or stratovolcano. These are explosive volcanoes that are generally steep-sided, symmetrical cones built up by the accumulation of debris from previous eruptions and consist of alternating layers of lava flows, volcanic ash and cinder.

Detailed explanation-3: -Mount Rainier is an episodically active composite volcano, also called a stratovolcano. Volcanic activity began between one half and one million years ago, with the most recent eruption cycle ending about 1, 000 years ago.

Detailed explanation-4: -McLoughlin in Oregon and the California mountains mentioned. Mazama, Shasta, Lassen, Hood, Rainier and famous Mt. St. Helens are composite volcanoes, as are many of the Earth’s grandest mountains, like Mt.

Detailed explanation-5: -Mount Rainier in Washington is one of several active composite volcanoes in this range that also includes Mount St. Helens.