A stratovolcano is generally a cone-shaped volcano formed by the overlapping of several layers of solidified lava, tephra, pumice and volcanic ash.![](https://www.smarteducationunescosicilia.it/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/figura-15.jpg)
Unlike shield volcanoes, stratovolcanoes are characterised by rather steep slopes (up to 45°) and periodic explosive eruptions.