nuée ardente

nuée ardente

(French; “fiery or glowing cloud”)

Highly destructive, incandescent mass of gas-enveloped particles that is associated with volcanic eruptions. These glowing avalanches, as they are sometimes called, can move down even slight inclines at speeds as high as 100 mph (160 kph). The temperature of the gases can reach 1,100–1,300 °F (600–700 °C). Nuées ardentes are exceedingly destructive, killing all living things in their path. Most occur in the circum-Pacific region known as the Ring of Fire. See also tuff.