plinian eruptions involve the
explosive ejection of large
volumes of
viscous lava and the continual
ejection of great quantities of
gas,
pumice, and
ash which can form huge
clouds whose
fallout can effect areas hundreds of miles downwind.
pyroclastic flows and
caldera collapse are commonly associated with this type of
eruption. the eruptions of
Mount St. Helens and
Mount Pinatubo are examples of
large plinian eruptions.
plinian eruptions are named after Pliny the Elder, a
Roman naturalist who died in the eruption of
Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. see also:
vesuvian eruption.