Pyroclastic flows are a leading cause of eruption-related deaths. Now, lab tests reveal the mind-bending reason they may rush down a volcano’s flanks.

Volcanologist Professor Chris Jackson discovers evidence of the deadly pyroclastic flow.

But the defining event of Monday’s eruption was the more rare pyroclastic flow from the southwestern crater not visible from a distance.

An explosion on the slopes of Stromboli sent an avalanche of pyroclastic flow rushing down the side of the Italian volcano on Monday (Nov. 16). The stronger-than-usual explosion was captured on ...

A lava flow was spotted by satellites winding down the flanks of Mount Etna during an explosive outburst on June 2, which also released a large pyroclastic flow in the opposite direction. | Credit ...

But the defining event of Monday’s eruption was the more rare pyroclastic flow from the southwestern crater not visible from a distance.

Clouds of rocks and gas known as pyroclastic flows spew out of volcanoes and race over land at terrifying speeds, skating on an air pocket beneath the rubble ...

A volcanic eruption in Italy left people scurrying for cover from what officials are saying is a pyroclastic flow. Several videos circulating online show people running as smoke from the side of ...

Mount Etna, the rambunctious volcano on the Italian island of Sicily, grumbled back to life on Monday, spewing hot ash and lava in a pyroclastic flow, the nation's volcano monitoring body said ...