What are the features of a strato volcano?
Some features of a strato volcano, also known as a composite volcano, include:
1. Steep-sided slopes: Strato volcanoes have steep sides due to the accumulation of layers of volcanic ash, lava flows, and pyroclastic materials.
2. Symmetrical cone shape: They typically have a conical shape, with a central vent at the summit from which eruptions occur.
3. Large size: Strato volcanoes can be massive in scale, with a height of several thousand meters and a base diameter of tens of kilometers.
4. Alternating layers of lava and ash: The volcano is built up by alternating layers of solidified lava flows and volcanic ash deposits from previous eruptions.
5. Explosive eruptions: Unlike shield volcanoes, strato volcanoes have more explosive eruptions due to the high viscosity of their magma. This leads to the eruption of pyroclastic flows, ash clouds, and volcanic bombs.
6. Crater at the summit: Strato volcanoes often have a large crater at their summit, which is formed as a result of previous eruptions or collapse of the volcano.
7. Volcanic domes: Some strato volcanoes may also have dome-like features formed by the extrusion of highly viscous magma.
8. Volcanic hazards: Due to their explosive nature, strato volcanoes pose various hazards including ash fall, pyroclastic flows, lava flows, lahars (mudflows), and volcanic gases.
9. Formation of stratovolcanoes: They are typically formed at subduction zones, where one tectonic plate is forced beneath another. The subducting plate causes the melting of rock in the mantle, which then rises and erupts to form the volcano.
10. Examples of strato volcanoes: Some famous strato volcanoes include Mount Fuji in Japan, Mount Rainier in the USA, Mount Vesuvius in Italy, and Cotopaxi in Ecuador.