Stratovolcanoes, also known as composite volcanoes, are tall, conical volcanoes characterized by their layered structure. They are formed from alternating eruptions of lava flows, ash, and volcanic rocks. This layering creates a steep profile, making them some of the most recognizable volcanoes in the world. These volcanoes often produce explosive eruptions due to the viscosity of their magma, which can trap gas. Famous examples of stratovolcanoes include Mount St. Helens in the United States and Mount Fuji in Japan. Their eruptions can significantly impact surrounding areas, making them important to study for volcanic hazard assessment.