[1] Lava dome eruptions are commonly characterized by large fluctuations in discharge rate with cyclic behaviour on time-scales ranging from hours to decades. Examples include Bezymianny volcano (Russia), Merapi (Java), Santiaguito (Guatemala), Mt St Helens (USA), Mt Unzen (Japan), and Soufrière Hills volcano (Montserrat). Previous models have assumed simple cylindrical conduits for magma trans...