Plug domes

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Plug Domes are a type of volcano created by slow moving lavas. They form from vents that compress the viscous lava out of some central vent located within the main volcano. The domes are relatively small compared to most volcanoes because they are composed of igneous rocks such as obsidian and pumice. These rocks are very viscous when lava. Therefore they don’t travel very far before they solidify. This causes plug domes to have many layers in a smaller area, causing steep sides to form. Often, some of the lava will block the vent when it flows out. This is the root for the name; the lava acts as a plug on the vent.

[edit] References

  • Easterbrook, Don J., 1999, Surface Processes and Landforms: Landforms that Developed on Igneous Rocks; Plug Domes. P271-272
  • Williams, H., 1932, The History and character of volcanic domes: Berkeley, University of California Department of Geological Sciences Bulletin, v.21, p. 51-146.
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