📖 what
What is a volcanic dome?
Quick Answer
A volcanic dome is a steep, mound-like structure formed when very viscous lava piles up near a volcano’s vent. It grows slowly and can collapse dangerously.
The Full Story
Unlike runny basaltic lava, viscous lava such as rhyolite or dacite can be too thick to flow far, so it accumulates over the vent and forms a dome. These domes may grow over weeks to years and can become unstable as pressure builds inside. When part of a dome collapses, it may trigger pyroclastic flows. Famous examples include the lava domes at Mount St. Helens after the 1980 eruption and the dome-building eruptions of Soufrière Hills on Montserrat.
Key Facts
1.Formed by very viscous lava
2.Can collapse and generate pyroclastic flows
3.Seen at Mount St. Helens and Soufrière Hills
YouTube Angle
Suggested video title for this topic:
"The volcano that grows a stone mountain on top"
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