Krakatau, also known as Krakatoa, is a stratovolcano. Stratovolcanoes are characterized by their steep, conical shapes and are built up by many layers of hardened lava, tephra, pumice, and volcanic ash. These volcanoes are known for their explosive eruptions due to the high viscosity of their magma, which traps gases and leads to pressure build-up.
Krakatau is located in the Sunda Strait between the islands of Java and Sumatra in Indonesia. Its most famous eruption occurred in 1883, which was one of the most violent volcanic events in recorded history. The eruption caused massive destruction and had significant global climatic effects.
Stratovolcanoes like Krakatau are often found at subduction zones, where one tectonic plate is forced under another. This process leads to the melting of the mantle, producing magma that can rise to the surface and cause volcanic activity.