How do pyroclastic flows move so fast and stay so deadly?
Quick Answer
Pyroclastic flows are superheated avalanches of gas, ash, and rock that race downhill under gravity. They can move faster than a person can run and are extremely hot.
The Full Story
A pyroclastic flow forms when an explosive eruption collapses a hot eruption column or when a lava dome breaks apart. The mixture can be hundreds of degrees Celsius and move at tens to hundreds of kilometers per hour. Because it hugs the ground and contains dense, turbulent ash clouds, it can destroy almost everything in its path. The 1902 eruption of Mount Pelée on Martinique and the 79 CE eruption of Vesuvius are famous deadly examples. These flows are among the most dangerous volcanic hazards because they are fast, hot, and difficult to escape.
Key Facts
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"The most dangerous thing a volcano can send downhill"