Lava in the Eastern Caribbean is usually very thick and rarely flows far from the volcano vent. As lava is emitted it accumulates around the vent creating a lava dome. While the volcano is erupting, these lava domes may eventually collapse and trigger pyroclastic flows.

In the photograph, the dome is the grey mass of rock, with older pre-existing topography(covered in trees) to either side. Around the base of the dome, lots of loose rock collects, this rock is called talus. It is possible that lot's of rainfall can erode the talus, making the dome unstable.

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