Stratovolcanoes

Eruption of Mt St Helens, May 18th, 1980, WA Credit: National Geographic

Stratovolcanoes are characterised by more rhyolitic (viscous, high silica content) eruptions. Stratovolcanoes are responsible for the most violent, destructive volcanic eruptions, spewing ash and viscous magma explosively from their tops. This eruption style builds steeper-walled peaks, and generally smaller features overall than their shield volcano cousins.

Map of Volcano Landforms

Other Volcano Landforms