Dome collapse

A dome collapse occurs when the structural integrity of a volcanic or geological dome fails, leading to a sudden downward failure of the material that forms the dome’s shape. This can happen due to the build-up of internal pressure from magma or rock, which weakens the surface. When the pressure exceeds the dome’s strength, sections may break apart and slide downhill or fall inward. This collapse can trigger avalanches of rock and ash, and sometimes generate loud explosions or pyroclastic flows, which are rapid, hot flows of volcanic material posing hazards to surrounding areas.