What type of lava flow does a composite volcano have?
Stratovolcanoes are also called composite volcanoes because they are built of layers of alternating lava flow, ash and blocks of unmelted stone, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. They are larger than cinder cones, rising up to 8,000 feet (2,438 meters).
Where does lava build up in a composite volcano?
Stratovolcanoes have relatively steep sides and are more cone-shaped than shield volcanoes. They are formed from viscous, sticky lava that does not flow easily. The lava therefore builds up around the vent forming a volcano with steep sides.
Where are most composite volcanoes located?
convergent plate boundaries
Composite volcanoes, also known as stratovolcanoes, are found on convergent plate boundaries , where the oceanic crust subducts beneath the continental crust.
Where are composite cone volcanoes found?
Some of the most conspicuous and beautiful mountains in the world are composite volcanoes, including Mount Fuji in Japan, Mount Cotopaxi in Ecuador, Mount Shasta in California, Mount Hood in Oregon, and Mount St. Helens and Mount Rainier in Washington.
Where does lava come from in a volcano?
Lava (which as you undoubtedly know, is partially molten rock erupted by volcanoes) typically comes from the mantle—the Earth’s middle layer, sandwiched between the crust and the core. Once it reaches the surface, lava quickly cools down and solidifies completely, creating new land.
Why is Mount St Helens a composite volcano?
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.
What layers make up a composite volcano such as Mt Rainier?
Composite volcanoes—also called stratovolcanoes—are named for their composition. These volcanoes are built from layers, or strata, of pyroclastic material, including lava, pumice, volcanic ash, and tephra. The layers stack on each other with each eruption.
What are the parts of a composite volcano?
A cross section of a composite volcano reveals alternating layers of rock and ash: (1) magma chamber, (2) bedrock, (3) pipe, (4) ash layers, (5) lava layers, (6) lava flow, (7) vent, (8) lava, (9) ash cloud. Frequently there is a large crater at the top from the last eruption.
When contrasting lava from a composite volcano to lava from a shield volcano?
When contrasting lava from composite volcanoes to lava from shield volcanoes, composite volcanoes most often produce silica-rich lavas with high viscosities, whereas shield volcanoes produce basaltic lavas with low viscosities.
Where is lava located?