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Why are strato volcanoes the most explosive?

These volcanoes contain magma that has a ton of dissolved gases which build up pressure
They have the most amount of magma underground
The shape of the volcano contributes to the explosivity of the eruption

1 Answer

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Final answer:

Strato volcanoes are the most explosive due to the high content of dissolved gases, the large amount of magma stored underground, and the shape of the volcano.


Step-by-step explanation:

Strato volcanoes, also known as composite volcanoes, are the most explosive types of volcanoes. This is due to a combination of factors:

  1. Dissolved Gases: Strato volcanoes contain magma that is rich in dissolved gases, such as water vapor, carbon dioxide, and sulfur dioxide. As the magma rises to the surface, the decrease in pressure allows these gases to escape, leading to explosive eruptions.
  2. Large Magma Reservoir: These volcanoes have a large amount of magma stored underground. This provides a significant source of material for eruptions, contributing to their explosivity.
  3. Volcanic Cone: The shape of strato volcanoes, characterized by steep sides and a conical shape, also contributes to their explosivity. The steep slopes trap gases, increasing pressure, and making the eruptions more explosive.

Learn more about the explosivity of strato volcanoes

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