Pyroclastic flows in Tar River Valley (27 - 29 Jan 2010)

Pyroclastic flows in Tar River Valley (27 - 29 Jan 2010)
A massive pyroclastic flow suddenly turns towards the hill in its path (at left).
Pyroclastic flows in Tar River Valley (27 - 29 Jan 2010)
The obstacle forces the flow to rise in a spectacular surge of incandescent ash.
Pyroclastic flows in Tar River Valley (27 - 29 Jan 2010)
While the flow opens its way to the left, the surge rises one kilometer into the sky.
Pyroclastic flows in Tar River Valley (27 - 29 Jan 2010)
Further pyroclastic avalanches feed the flow towards the sea.
Pyroclastic flows in Tar River Valley (27 - 29 Jan 2010)
Tourists observe the flow's advancing front from a helicopter.
Pyroclastic flows in Tar River Valley (27 - 29 Jan 2010)
Abandoned houses in the foreground give an impression of the flow's considerable size.
Pyroclastic flows in Tar River Valley (27 - 29 Jan 2010)
After a few minutes, an even bigger pyroclastic flow descends through the Tar River Valley.
Pyroclastic flows in Tar River Valley (27 - 29 Jan 2010)
The front of this flow reaches the sea at the Tar River delta.
Pyroclastic flows in Tar River Valley (27 - 29 Jan 2010)
Another big pyroclastic flow uplifts billowing ash clouds.
Pyroclastic flows in Tar River Valley (27 - 29 Jan 2010)
Spectacular structures shaped by heat and convection in the ash cloud.
Pyroclastic flows in Tar River Valley (27 - 29 Jan 2010)
Striking contrast between billowing ash and steam coming from the sea entrance.
Pyroclastic flows in Tar River Valley (27 - 29 Jan 2010)
The end of the world: the dome disappears in a chaos of ash and steam.
Photos by Marco Fulle taken with 50mm and 135mm lenses (reflex digicam with 16x24mm sensor).