How Fast Is Pyroclastic Flow?

A pyroclastic flow surges down a volcano at 200 m/s — 720 km/h, with internal temperatures reaching 1,000°C. They destroyed Pompeii in seconds in 79 CE; nothing in their path survives, regardless of shelter.

Pliny the Younger's eyewitness account of Vesuvius destroying Pompeii is the oldest detailed description of a volcanic eruption — and modern volcanologists still call this type 'Plinian'.

• Faster than F1 cars
• Destroyed Pompeii in seconds