What is a stratovolcano?
Q: What is a stratovolcano?
A: A stratovolcano is a type of volcano that is tall, conical, and built up by many layers (strata) of hardened lava, tephra, pumice, and volcanic ash.
Q: How is a stratovolcano different from a shield volcano?
A: Stratovolcanoes differ from shield volcanoes in their shape and eruption style. Stratovolcanoes have a steep slope and explosive eruptions, whereas shield volcanoes have a gentle slope and effusive eruptions.
Q: What materials make up a stratovolcano?
A: A stratovolcano is made up of many layers of hardened lava, tephra, pumice, and volcanic ash.
Q: What is the characteristic shape of a stratovolcano?
A: The characteristic shape of a stratovolcano is tall and conical, with a steep slope.
Q: What kind of eruptions does a stratovolcano have?
A: Stratovolcanoes typically have explosive eruptions, which occur periodically rather than continuously.
Q: How does a stratovolcano form?
A: A stratovolcano forms when magma rises and cools, building up layers of hardened lava, tephra, pumice, and volcanic ash over time.
Q: What are some examples of famous stratovolcanoes?
A: Some famous examples of stratovolcanoes include Mount St. Helens in the United States, Mount Fuji in Japan, and Mount Vesuvius in Italy.