The essential feature of a composite volcano is a conduit system through which magma from a reservoir deep in the earth's crust rises to the surface. The volcano is built up by the accumulation of material erupted through the conduit and increases in size as lava, cinders, ash etc. are added to its slopes

Our very own Mt. St. Helens , which exploded in 1982, is classified as a composite volcano. Seen in the picture below is the damage after the eruption.
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