Plinian eruption

English

Etymology

Named for the description given by Pliny the Younger of the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D., which has been taken as archetypical of this type of eruption.

Noun

Plinian eruption (plural Plinian eruptions)

  1. (volcanology) A type of volcanic eruption marked by the ejection of large columns of volcanic debris and gases into the stratosphere; particularly large amounts of pumice, caused by a very powerful, gas-driven eruption.
    Synonym: Vesuvian eruption

Derived terms
  • subplinian eruption
  • ultraplinian eruption

Translations
Translations
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