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Global Volcanism Program | Image GVP-05014

A pyroclastic flow, similiar to the one that destroyed the city of St. Pierre on Martinique on May 8, 1902, sweeps down the flanks of Mount Pelee volcano on December 16, 1902.  A towering column of ash and steam rises above the advancing pyroclastic flow, which was formed by collapse of gas-rich rocks on a growing lava dome in the summit crater.  The May 8 pyroclastic flow was substantially larger than this one, and would have covered an area wider than the entire shoreline of this photo. Photo by A. Lacroix, 1902 (from the collection of Maurice and Katia Krafft).

A pyroclastic flow, similiar to the one that destroyed the city of St. Pierre on Martinique on May 8, 1902, sweeps down the flanks of Mount Pelee volcano on December 16, 1902. A towering column of ash and steam rises above the advancing pyroclastic flow, which was formed by collapse of gas-rich rocks on a growing lava dome in the summit crater. The May 8 pyroclastic flow was substantially larger than this one, and would have covered an area wider than the entire shoreline of this photo.

Photo by A. Lacroix, 1902 (from the collection of Maurice and Katia Krafft).

Copyrighted image used with permission. All Rights Reserved. Contact photographer for any usage requests.


Pelée