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Pyroclastic flows occur during explosive volcanic eruptions. Such eruptions generally occur with viscous magma that has a high gas content. As the magma approaches the surface and pressure is reduced, the gas is released and expands violently, forming clouds of hot ash, gas, and rock fragments. These flows most often occur when the ejected cloud is too dense to rise under its own buoyancy, but instead flows down the volcano's slopes. In other cases a pyroclastic flow can form from a lateral blast; meaning an eruption directed sideways rather than up. Some flows may result from the collapse of a lava dome.

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Are pyroclastic flows felsic or mafic?

Pyroclastic flows can be of any composition, but are more commonly felsic or intermediate.


Does Krakatoa produce lava or pyroclastic flow?

Yes, of course Krakatoa has a pyroclastic flow. Every volcano has an pyroclastic flow, which can travel up to at huge speeds. Krakatoa's pyroclastic flow raced an amazing 200 mph over 20 miles of open sea. Yes Krakatoa has pyroclastic flows but not all volcanoes produce pyroclastic flows, only Mt. St. Helens type volcanoes usually composed of andesite. Kilauea for example does not produce pyroclastic flows because it is composed of basalt, the lava flows out easily.


Can rhyolite be pyroclastic?

Yes. It is not uncommon for rhyolitic material to form pyroclastic flows.


Does a pyroclastic flow typically occur during a quiet eruption?

No, pyroclastic flows typically occur during explosive volcanic eruptions when hot gas and volcanic particles travel rapidly down the side of the volcano. Quiet eruptions, such as lava flows, do not produce pyroclastic flows.


Does mauna loa have pyroclastic flow?

Mauna Loa is a shield volcano, which typically erupts effusively with flowing lava rather than explosively with pyroclastic flows. Pyroclastic flows are more commonly associated with stratovolcanoes.


What are the types of volcanic flows?

pyroclastic and convectional.


Are the hawaiian Islands a region or extensive pyroclastic flow?

They are a region. This islands themselves were formed primarily by lava flows. The volcanoes there rarely produce pyroclastic flows.


Does a pyroclastic flow typically occurs during an quite eruption?

No. A "quiet" eruption will produce lava flows. Pyroclastic flows generally result from explosive eruptions.


Does pyroclastic flow have air poison?

Yes. Pyroclastic flows can contain toxic gasses such as sulfur dioxide.


Does a pyroclastic flow occur during during small earthquakes?

No. Pyroclastic flows are a result of volcanic eruptions.


How where the buildings in Pompeii destroyed?

mostly by pyroclastic flows.


What flows are violent explosions of ash cinders and bombs and gases from a volcano?

Pyroclastic flows.