Stratovulcões

Stratovulcões, also known as composite volcanoes, are tall, conical volcanoes characterized by steep slopes and periodic, often explosive eruptions. They are formed by the accumulation of lava, ash, and other volcanic debris over many eruptions. The lava flows from stratovulcões tend to be viscous, meaning they are thick and do not flow easily. This viscosity, combined with the buildup of gases within the volcano, leads to explosive eruptions that can eject ash, gas, and rock fragments high into the atmosphere.

The structure of a stratovulcão is layered, with alternating bands of hardened lava, tephra, pumice, and volcanic ash. This layered composition gives them their name "composite." These volcanoes are typically found along convergent plate boundaries, where one tectonic plate is forced beneath another. This process, known as subduction, generates magma that rises to the surface.

Famous examples of stratovulcões include Mount Fuji in Japan, Mount Vesuvius in Italy, and Mount St. Helens in the United States. While their eruptions can be destructive, the ash deposited by stratovulcões can also enrich the soil, making the surrounding areas fertile for agriculture. The study of stratovulcões is crucial for understanding volcanic hazards and for predicting future eruptions.