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Composite Volcanoes
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| Composite Volcanoes
Composite volcanoes are one of the most dangerous types of volcanoes for their extreme explosions that can completely wipe out a town in seconds. Another name for composite volcanoes is “strato” volcanoes. Most strato volcanoes are pointed and tall because the slow lava and ash cools and builds up as it moves down. This is because of the high silica content and high viscosity the magma has. Viscosity is the internal resistance of something to flow. Because this lava has high viscosity, it flows very slowly. Some examples of strato volcanoes are Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Shasta, and Mt. Etna. All of these volcanoes are around 9,000ft. High, yet some volcanoes can reach the maximum height of 10,000 ft. high! There is a “plug-like” top to the volcanoes, and because they have this, the steams build up in the volcano, and eventually explode, making a large explosion. During this explosion, tons of ash and lava are dumped onto the crust, causing much destruction. However, this can also help the area around the volcano. For example, many plants can spread from the seeds carried from the molten lava. Also, the dropped rock can also be used in many types of ways. As, you can see, strato volcanoes are a very important part of nature, and also a very helpful part. Bibliography Internet Geographers. What are the different types of volcanoes. December 20, 2007. The Windows Team. Volcanoes. 1995. December 20, 2007. National Geographic Society. Forces of Nature. 1996. December 20, 2007. www.nationalgeographic.com/forcesofnature/interactive/index.html?section=v | |