What's the Difference Between a Lava Flow and a Pyroclastic Flow?

Imagine a volcano erupting, some lava is like slow-moving syrup, while others are like firey clouds speeding down the mountain. A lava flow moves slowly and burns things in its path. A pyroclastic flow is faster, hotter, and can destroy everything it touches in seconds.

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Examples

A lava flow is like hot syrup slowly moving across a kitchen floor, it takes time to reach you.
A pyroclastic flow feels like being hit by a wall of fire and smoke coming straight at you in seconds.
If a volcano erupts, the lava flow might burn your house, but the pyroclastic flow could melt it instantly.

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Categories: Science · volcanology,earth science,natural disasters