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A lava flow flows as a viscous liquid, rather like molasses only thicker. A pyroclastic flow is a mixture of ash, gas, and rock fragments and is not significantly affected by viscous forces that would slow it down. It moves like an avalanche or thunderstorm downburst rather than a liquid.

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What is the term for lava flow that travels downhill at over 100mph?

Pyroclastic flow


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.


Why does pyroclastic flow travel faster than a lava flow?

Lava is a very viscous liquid, meaning it will resist flowing rather like syrup. Lava flows are often slowed even more as they form a crust of solid rock. A pyroclastic flow is a different matter; it is a dense cloud of hot ash, rock, and gas, behaving more like an avalanche than a flowing liquid. Pyroclastic flows are not slowed by viscous forces.


What are the similarities in a lava flow and a pyroclastic flow?

A lava flow is simply a flow of liquid rock down a slope that usually results from an effusive eruption. A pyroclastic flow is an avalanche-like flow of hot ash, rock and gas that moves down a volcano during an explosive eruption, The move much faster than lava flows and are far more dangerous.


What type of lava is least likely to form a pyroclastic flow?

Pahoehoe lava, which has a low viscosity and flows more easily, is less likely to form a pyroclastic flow compared to a'a lava, which is more viscous and tends to fragment into pyroclastic material when flowing.

Related Questions

What is the term for lava flow that travels downhill at over 100mph?

Pyroclastic flow


What is more deadly lava or pyroclastic flow?

Pyroclastic flow.


What volcano has pyroclastic flow in addition to liquid lava?

the volcano that has pyroclastic flow in addition to liquid lava is the composite or stratovolcano.


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.


What are the similarities in a lava flow and a pyroclastic flow?

A lava flow is simply a flow of liquid rock down a slope that usually results from an effusive eruption. A pyroclastic flow is an avalanche-like flow of hot ash, rock and gas that moves down a volcano during an explosive eruption, The move much faster than lava flows and are far more dangerous.


Why does pyroclastic flow travel faster than a lava flow?

Lava is a very viscous liquid, meaning it will resist flowing rather like syrup. Lava flows are often slowed even more as they form a crust of solid rock. A pyroclastic flow is a different matter; it is a dense cloud of hot ash, rock, and gas, behaving more like an avalanche than a flowing liquid. Pyroclastic flows are not slowed by viscous forces.


Is block lava the same as pyroclastic flow?

No. Block lava is low-moving viscous lava, usually of andesitic or similar composition. A pyroclastic flow is a very fast-moving mixture of hot ash, rock and gas.


Is mtn etna explosive or quiet and lava or pyroclastic flow?

Mount Etna has had both explosive and "quiet" eruptions and has produced lava flows, lava fountains, and pyroclastic flows.


What type of lava flow does mount meakan have?

it has pyroclastic flow and has small eruptions of ash.


What type of lava is least likely to form a pyroclastic flow?

Pahoehoe lava, which has a low viscosity and flows more easily, is less likely to form a pyroclastic flow compared to a'a lava, which is more viscous and tends to fragment into pyroclastic material when flowing.


What is the difference between pyroclastic flows and lava flows?

Lava is molten rock at earth's surface. A pyroclastic flow is an avalanch-like flow of hot ash, rock, and gas that moves down a volcano's flanks at great speed.


What are the most common volcanic hazards?

In addition to suffocating ash and flowing lava, pyroclastic flows are probably the most dangerous feature of some volcanoes. Pyroclastic flows are currents of extremely hot gases and rocks that flow down and away from the slopes of volcanoes. They travel at speeds has high as 450 mph, and the temperature of the gas and rock can reach more than 1800° F (1000° C).