Pyroclastic flow
Pyroclastic Flow
Pyroclastic flow (pronunciation: /ˌpaɪroʊˈklæstɪk ˈfloʊ/) is a fast-moving current of hot gas and volcanic matter (collectively known as tephra) that moves away from a volcano about 100 km/h (62 mph) on average but is capable of reaching speeds up to 700 km/h (430 mph).
Etymology
The term "pyroclastic flow" is derived from the Greek words pyro meaning "fire" and klastos meaning "broken". It was first introduced by the German geologist Alfred Rittmann in 1932.
Description
A pyroclastic flow is a type of volcanic eruption that occurs when a large amount of gas, ash, and other volcanic materials are expelled from a volcano at high speed. This can occur during an explosive eruption, or as a result of the collapse of a volcanic dome or lava flow. The flow is usually very hot, often over 1,000 degrees Celsius, and can cause widespread destruction in its path.
Related Terms
- Tephra: Volcanic material produced by an eruption, regardless of composition, fragment size or emplacement mechanism.
- Volcanic ash: Small tephra, less than 2 mm in diameter.
- Lahar: A type of mudflow or debris flow composed of a slurry of pyroclastic material, rocky debris, and water.
- Volcanic gas: A mixture of dissolved and entrained gas in magma, including water vapor, carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, hydrogen chloride, hydrogen fluoride and a few others.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Pyroclastic flow
- Wikipedia's article - Pyroclastic flow
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