This is why volcanic clouds move so fast
The dangers of volcanoes don't end at hot magma and falling rocks — you also have to worry about the plumes of ash, smoke, and toxic gases that are just as deadly, but reach a lot farther. Thanks to new research, scientists might be able to better understand how these volcanic clouds work, and how we can minimize their damage.
Clouds of volcanic debris, known as "pyroclastic density currents," have long been a mystery because they move much faster than they should be able to, National Geographic explained. They stick to ground level and seem to have an unnatural momentum that allows them to race downhill, on level surfaces, and even uphill. But a new study published Monday in the journal Nature Geoscience revealed that volcanic gases are able to spread at abnormal speeds thanks to a cushion of air that reduces the amount of friction they encounter in their path.
Using volcanic debris left behind by a volcanic eruption 2,000 years ago in New Zealand, researchers studied the way the pyroclastic flow moved, and were able to model the movement on computers. This data led them to the realization that air trapped between the toxic particles in the pyroclastic current drifted to the bottom of the clouds, buffering the current from any rough surfaces it might pass over. It's similar to the way an air hockey table works: The puck gains speed because of the layer of air that lifts it from the table's surface.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Although the data needs to be refined, it can be a tool in predicting where future eruptions' volcanic gases and ash might end up. That information, in turn, can be used to save the lives of the 800 million people who live within 60 miles of active volcanoes around the world.
Read more about this study at National Geographic.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Shivani is the editorial assistant at TheWeek.com and has previously written for StreetEasy and Mic.com. A graduate of the physics and journalism departments at NYU, Shivani currently lives in Brooklyn and spends free time cooking, watching TV, and taking too many selfies.
-
The insides and outsides of Helsinki's energetic art scene
The Week Recommends Finland's capital has an admirable mix of street art and museums
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
'We have witnessed firsthand how health and civics intersect'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Abortion rights are a 'core issue' for Kamala Harris
The Explainer She is featuring a 'rapid-response mentality' on reproductive rights
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
Putin's fixation with shamans
Under the Radar Secretive Russian leader, said to be fascinated with occult and pagan rituals, allegedly asked for blessing over nuclear weapons
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
A brief history of third parties in the US
In Depth Though none of America's third parties have won a presidential election, they have nonetheless had a large impact on the country's politics
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
Chimpanzees are dying of human diseases
Under the radar Great apes are vulnerable to human pathogens thanks to genetic similarity, increased contact and no immunity
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Deaths of Jesse Baird and Luke Davies hang over Sydney's Mardi Gras
The Explainer Police officer, the former partner of TV presenter victim, charged with two counts of murder after turning himself in
By Austin Chen, The Week UK Published
-
Quiz of The Week: 24 February - 1 March
Puzzles and Quizzes Have you been paying attention to The Week's news?
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Will mounting discontent affect Iran election?
Today's Big Question Low turnout is expected in poll seen as crucial test for Tehran's leadership
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Sweden clears final NATO hurdle with Hungary vote
Speed Read Hungary's parliament overwhelmingly approved Sweden's accession to NATO
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Modern royal scandals from around the world
The Explainer From Spain to the UAE, royal families have often been besieged by negative events
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published