A pyroclastic flow is a fast-moving current of hot gas and volcanic matter that erupts from a volcano. These flows can travel at speeds of up to 700 kilometers per hour (about 435 miles per hour) and can reach temperatures of around 1,000 degrees Celsius (1,832 degrees Fahrenheit). They are a dangerous phenomenon, capable of destroying everything in their path due to their high speed and heat. Pyroclastic flows are typically formed during explosive volcanic eruptions when the eruption column collapses. They can also occur when volcanic domes or lava flows collapse. Because of their destructive nature, understanding pyroclastic flows is crucial for assessing volcanic hazards and protecting nearby communities.