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pyroclastic flow
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fast-moving concentrated current of hot gas and volcanic matter that moves away from a volcano
A pyroclastic flow is a fast-moving current of extremely hot gas and volcanic material that rushes down the side of a volcano. It matters because these flows are among the most dangerous volcanic hazards, capable of destroying everything in their path at high speeds.
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Pyroclastic flows sweep down the flanks of Mayon Volcano, Philippines, in 2018 A pyroclastic flow, more broadly known as a pyroclastic density current, is a fast-moving current of hot gas and volcanic matter (collectively known as tephra) that flows along the ground away from a volcano. Pyroclastic currents travel at extremely high speeds and have extremely high temperatures.
Pyroclastic flows are the deadliest of all volcanic hazards and are produced as a result of certain explosive eruptions. They normally touch the ground and hurtle downhill or spread laterally under gravity. Their speed depends upon the density of the current, the volcanic output rate, and the gradient of the slope.