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8.3.3 Composite Volcano

A composite volcano or stratovolcano is a conically-shaped mountain which slopes about 30 degrees at the summit, and tapers off to 5 degrees near the base. A composite volcano is made up of alternating layers of ejected pyroclastic material and lava flows. Composite volcano eruptions are usually explosive, and exude a high viscosity lava.


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Mt. Rainier, Oregon, a Cascade Range stratovolcano.
Mt. Rainier, Oregon, a Cascade Range stratovolcano.
Earth Science Slides by John S. Shelton
Mt. Shasta, California. Stratovolcano.  Stratus cloud deck, seen from above. Stratovolcanoes seen in foreground and background.  Four composite cones in the Cascades, USA.  Mt. Rainier, Oregon, a Cascade Range stratovolcano. 

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