Pyroclastic flow speeds are so intense, they seem to defy the laws of physics, given the high static friction of volcanic particles. Now volcanic researchers have figured out how it works – those hot currents generate a layer of air at their base, over which they glide almost without friction.

Pyroclastic flows are flows composed of gas and volcanic material—prior research has shown that they can flow downhill away from an eruption at speeds of up to 450 mph—and temperatures are as hot as 1000 degrees C. When a person is overcome by such a flow, the result is instant death.

A pyroclastic flow is a hot (typically >800 °C, or >1,500 °F ), chaotic mixture of rock fragments, gas, and ash that travels rapidly (tens of meters per second) away from a volcanic vent or collapsing flow front. Pyroclastic flows can be extremely destructive and deadly because of their high temperature and mobility.

A pyroclastic flow is a lot more dangerous than a lava flow, since it can travel up to 100 km (62 mi) away from its original position. So start driving fast if you want to survive this. You should still be driving your car at this point, but if the pyroclastic flow gets near you, you’ll begin to feel the heat.

There is another type of flow that comes from a volcanic eruption that is much more dangerous than a lava flow, and that is a pyroclastic flow. And, not only are pyroclastic flows dangerous because of their speeds, but also because they are very hot and contain toxic gases. …

If it’s a surge, despite it being cooler than a flow, you will still combust; your skin will rupture and becoming blackened by the severe heat of the gas before most of the ash even touches you microseconds later. Even hiding inside a building won’t save you.

How can we tell when a volcano will erupt?

• An increase in the frequency and intensity of felt earthquakes.
• Noticeable steaming or fumarolic activity and new or enlarged areas of hot ground.
• Subtle swelling of the ground surface.
• Small changes in heat flow.
• Changes in the composition or relative abundances of fumarolic gases.

Soldier survives 70-foot fall into active Hawaiia’s Kilauea volcano. A 32-year-old soldier attempting to get a better view inside of Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano fell in Wednesday night, authorities said. He was seriously injured, but survived after falling 70 feet into the volcano’s crater.