Stratovolcanoes

Paper Summary:

Stratovolcanoes, so called because they are formed by alternating layers, or strata, of lava flows, volcanic ash, cinders, blocks, and bombs, are composite volcanoes. Some prominent examples of stratovolcanoes include Mount Fuji in Japan, Mount Cotopaxi in Ecuador, Mount Shasta in California, Mount Hood in Oregon, Mount St. Helen and Mount Rainier, both in Washington State. This paper provides an overview of these geographic forms, including the different shapes the found in and their physical make-up. The paper also looks at what happens when a stratovolcano erupts.

From the Paper:

"Lava flows either through breaks in the crater wall or from fissures on the sides of the cone, and lava which solidifies within the fissures forms ribs, or dikes, which greatly strengthen the volcano's walls. If a stratovolcano remains dormant for a long period, the cone is destroyed by erosion, hardened magma fills the conduits, and fissures filled with magma become exposed. After a prolonged period of dormancy, all that remains is the plug and dike complex."

More papers on Stratovolcanoes:

• Term Paper # 97749 : "Volcanoes and Earthquakes"

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