Mammoth Memory

Composite Volcanoes – Volcanoes that happen on destructive plate margins

To remember the meaning of the term Composite Volcano, use the following mnemonic:

On the compost sit the Vulcans (composite volcanoes) but they quickly run away when there is a violent eruption that destroys plates (destructive plates).

On the compost sit the Vulcans (composite volcanoes) but they quickly run away when there is a violent eruption that destroys plates (destructive plates).

Composite volcanoes occur on destructive plate margins, where the oceanic crust sinks beneath the continental crust (see subduction). Composite volcanoes have these characteristics:

  • Acidic lava, which is very viscous (sticky)
  • Steep sides, as the lava doesn't flow very far before it solidifies
  • Alternate layers of ash and lava. For this reason they're also known as stratovolcanoes (strato means layers)
  • Violent eruptions
  • Longer periods between eruptions

Composite volcanoes occur on destructive plate margins, where the oceanic crust sinks beneath the continental crust (see subduction). Composite volcanoes have these characteristics:

 

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