Mount Nyiragongo is located in the eastern part of Zaire, or the Democratic Republic of Congo in Africa. It is at a latitude and longitude of 1.5S, 29.3E. Like the majority of African volcanoes, is associated with the East African Rift and is part of Africa 's Virunga Volcanic Chain. This mountain chain is one of Africa 's most prominent geologic features ("Nyiragongo Volcano, Democratic Republic of the Congo"). With a summit elevation of 11,365 feet, Nyiragongo towers over its neighboring volcano, Nyamlagira, and all of the other surrounding volcanoes ("Nyiragongo Volcanic Eruption"). …show more content…
A stratovolcano is a tall, steep-sloped, nearly symmetrical volcanic structure. Its andesitic lava is mainly deposited from one enormous central vent. Typically, stratovolcanoes are the most violent type of volcano. Mount Nyiragongo is no exception. Raging fires, fierce tremors, plumes of smoke, and viscous lava flows that can range from one to one-hundred feet wide are all traits of a Mount Nyiragongo eruption. The volcano often spews dust and ash. It is even known sometimes to emit sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere. The large amount of debris in the air at times causes major health problems to the people and wildlife dwelling in the region