What type of burial vault is sealed by placing a dome over a base?

The correct answer describes an air seal burial vault. This type of vault is designed to protect the casket from the elements and prevent the entrance of water or soil. It achieves this by utilizing an airtight seal that is formed when the top dome is placed over the base, creating a sealed environment. Air seal vaults typically rely on the principle of air pressure differences to maintain their integrity, ensuring that the vault does not collapse due to external pressures from surrounding soil.

While other types of seals may protect against environmental elements, they do not operate on the same principle as the air seal. A top seal vault, for instance, involves the sealing mechanisms at the top of the vault rather than relying on the entirety of air pressure between the dome and base, impacting its construction and sealing effectiveness. Understanding these distinctions is essential for choosing the appropriate burial vault to meet the specific requirements of a burial.