Final answer:
The other name for composite volcanoes is stratovolcanoes. These volcanoes are characterized by their layered structure and are typically found at subduction zones, where their explosive eruptions can have significant impacts on life on Earth.
Step-by-step explanation:
Types of Volcanoes
Volcanoes come in various shapes and sizes, and their formation can be linked to the movement and interaction of Earth's tectonic plates. When discussing volcanoes, it's important to understand the different types that exist. One of the most well-known types of volcanoes is the composite volcano, which is also known as a stratovolcano. Composite volcanoes are characterized by a conical shape, with layers of hardened lava, tephra, and volcanic ash. Stratovolcanoes are typically found at subduction zones where an oceanic plate is being forced under a continental plate or another oceanic plate, leading to powerful and explosive volcanic eruptions.
The volcanism associated with composite volcanoes provides insight into the material from deeper within the planet and can have significant impacts on life on Earth due to their explosive nature and the hazards associated with ash, pyroclastic flows, and lahar events.