What are composite volcanoes?

Composite Volcano A composite volcano forms in subduction zones when a crustal plate is forced into the mantle and begins to melt. Andesite, dacite and rhyolite lavas are the primary types of lava that form these volcanoes. read more

The most complex and well-known of the three different volcano types, the stratovolcano or composite cone volcano, often goes centuries between eruptions. Composite volcanoes take hundreds of years to build up their steep sides through periods of eruptions and sleep. read more

The volcanoes are located in a volcanic arc on the continental side of subduction zones. 1980 Mount Saint Helens eruption, USGS Composition of stratovolcanoes Stratovolcanoes are typically composed of layers of pyroclastic material. read more

Composite Volcano. A composite volcano forms in subduction zones when a crustal plate is forced into the mantle and begins to melt. Andesite, dacite and rhyolite lavas are the primary types of lava that form these volcanoes. Eruptions on the volcanoes often alternate between tephra and lava flows. read more

A stratovolcano, also known as a composite volcano, is a conical volcano built up by many layers (strata) of hardened lava, tephra, pumice and ash. Unlike shield volcanoes, stratovolcanoes are characterized by a steep profile with a summit crater and periodic intervals of explosive eruptions and effusive eruptions, although some have collapsed summit craters called calderas. read more