Pyroclastic flow
Videos
A pyroclastic flow, more broadly known as a pyroclastic density current, is a fast-moving current of hot gas and volcanic matter that flows along the ground away from a volcano. Pyroclastic currents t
Pyroclastic flows sweep down the flanks of Mayon Volcano, Philippines, in 2018
Pyroclastic rocks from the Bishop tuff; uncompressed with pumice (on left), compressed with fiamme (on right)
Building remnant in Francisco Leon destroyed by pyroclastic surges and flows during eruption of El Chichon volcano in Mexico in 1982. Reinforcement rods in the concrete were bent in the direction of the flow.
A scientist examines pumice blocks at the edge of a pyroclastic flow deposit from Mount St. Helens
In 79 AD, Mount Vesuvius, a stratovolcano located in the modern-day region of Campania, Italy, erupted, causing one of the deadliest eruptions in history. Vesuvius violently ejected a cloud of super-h
Pyroclastic flow
…history reveal several specific mechanisms that can produce pyroclastic flow: Fountain collapse of an eruption column from a Plinian eruption (e.g. Mount Vesuvius' destruction of Herculaneum and Pompeii in 79 AD). In such an eruption, the material forcefully ejected from the vent heats the surrounding air and the turbulent mixture rises through convection…
The Destruction of Pompeii and Herculaneum (c. 1821) by John Martin
The Last Day of Pompeii. Painting by Karl Brullov, 1830–1833
Inside the crater of Vesuvius
Pompeii, with Vesuvius towering in the background