pyroclastic flow

Pyroclastic flow sweeps down the side of Mayon Volcano, Philippines, during an explosive eruption on 15 September 1984. Note the ground-hugging cloud of ash (lower left) that is billowing from the pyroclastic flow and the eruption column rising from the top of the volcano. Credit: C. Newhall / U.S. Geological Survey

A ground-hugging avalanche of hot ash, pumice, rock fragments, and volcanic gas that rushes down the side of a volcano as fast as 100 km/h or more. The temperature within a pyroclastic flow may be greater than 500°C, sufficient to burn and carbonize wood. Once deposited, the ash, pumice, and rock fragments may deform (flatten) and weld together because of the intense heat and the weight of the overlying material.

Related category

• GEOLOGY AND PLANETARY SCIENCE

Source: U.S. Geological Survey

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