A pyroclastic flow is a fast-moving current of hot gas and volcanic matter that flows down the slopes of a volcano during an explosive eruption. These flows can reach speeds of up to 700 km/h (about 435 mph) and can be extremely dangerous due to their high temperatures, which can exceed 1,000 degrees Celsius (1,832 degrees Fahrenheit). Pyroclastic flows are composed of a mixture of ash, pumice, rock fragments, and volcanic gases. They can travel over land and water, destroying everything in their path. Understanding pyroclastic flows is crucial for volcanologists and communities living near active volcanoes to prepare for potential eruptions.