pyroclastic

[ pahy-ruh-klas-tik ]

adjective

, Geology.

1. composed chiefly of fragments of volcanic origin, as agglomerate, tuff, and certain other rocks; volcaniclastic.

pyroclastic

/ ˌpaɪrəʊˈklæstɪk /

adjective

1. (of rocks) formed from the solid fragments ejected during a volcanic eruption

pyroclastic

/ pī′rō-klăs′tĭk /

1. Composed chiefly of rock fragments of explosive origin, especially those associated with explosive volcanic eruptions. Volcanic ash, obsidian, and pumice are examples of pyroclastic materials.

Word History and Origins

Origin of pyroclastic¹

First recorded in 1885–90; pyro- + clastic

Example Sentences

"Plus, studying the formation of landscape structures on other planets is a way for us to step outside our Earthly context. You ask different questions, which leads to new insights on processes here on Earth. For example, we can also observe the process of gas-driven debris flows in pyroclastic flows around volcanoes, here on Earth. So this research could contribute to a better understanding of terrestrial volcanic hazards."

From Science Daily

The sulfate deposit, made mainly of jarosite, a hydrous sulfate, was interpreted to have formed when the blanket of volcanic pyroclastic materials came to rest on a glacier and reacted chemically with the ice.

From Science Daily

Researchers interpret the volcano to be a vast shield made of layered accumulations of pyroclastic materials, lavas, and ice, the latter resulting from repeated buildups of snow and glaciers on its flanks through time.

From Science Daily

In addition to lava, volcanos eject large amounts of pumice, ashes and gases as a fast-moving flow, known as "pyroclastic flow," and its sediments are a valuable data source on past eruptions.

From Science Daily

For volcanoes on land, geologists understand the sedimentation mechanism of pyroclastic flows well, but the sediments themselves get lost easily due to erosion.

From Science Daily