rétegvulkán

A rétegvulkán, often translated as stratovolcano or composite volcano, is a tall, conical volcano built up by many layers of hardened lava, tephra, pumice, and volcanic ash. These volcanoes are characterized by their steep profile and periodic, often explosive, eruptions. The structure of a stratovolcano is formed by the alternating extrusion of viscous lava flows and the ejection of pyroclastic material.

The magma that fuels stratovolcanoes is typically felsic to intermediate in composition, meaning it is rich in silica and gases. This high viscosity prevents magma from flowing very far, leading to the accumulation of thick layers around the vent. When eruptions occur, the trapped gases can cause violent explosions, ejecting ash, rocks, and molten material high into the atmosphere. These explosive events can also trigger dangerous pyroclastic flows, fast-moving currents of hot gas and volcanic debris.

Stratovolcanoes are found worldwide, particularly along subduction zones where one tectonic plate is forced beneath another. Examples include Mount Fuji in Japan, Mount Vesuvius in Italy, and Mount St. Helens in the United States. Despite their potential for destructive eruptions, the fertile volcanic soils surrounding stratovolcanoes often support thriving ecosystems and human settlements. Their dramatic landscapes also make them popular tourist destinations.