Abstract
Lava domes form during volcanic eruptions in which highly viscous magma accumulates in the near-vent region. During this activity, gas pressure build up in the lava dome or shallow conduit region can destabilize the structure and trigger transitions to explosive eruptions or lava dome collapse. In this chapter we introduce lava dome eruptive activity as well as details of recent, well-monitored lava dome eruptions at Mount St Helens (USA), Soufrière Hills (Montserrat), and Chaitén (Chile). We then discuss dome emplacement and the influence of rheological factors such as silica, crystal, and gas content on the embrittlement of magma and its control on eruption style. Lava domes expose a range of morphologies as well as internal structural features that affects outgassing efficiency, their structural stability, and the generation of associated hazards. We conclude with an overview of hazards commonly associated with lava dome eruptions including dome instability, collapse events, and explosive activity that can cause devastating pyroclastic flows.
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