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Plinian eruption
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Illustration comparing six major types of volcanic eruptions: Plinian, Pelean, Vulcanian, Icelandic, Hawaiian, and Strombolian, each shown with labeled cross-sections depicting eruption style, ash, lava, or gas clouds.
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Plinian eruption

volcanism
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Illustration comparing six major types of volcanic eruptions: Plinian, Pelean, Vulcanian, Icelandic, Hawaiian, and Strombolian, each shown with labeled cross-sections depicting eruption style, ash, lava, or gas clouds.
major types of volcanic eruptions Volcanic eruptions may fall into six major types: Icelandic, Hawaiian, Strombolian, Vulcanian, Pelean, and Plinian.

A Plinian eruption is a type of intensely violent volcanic eruption characterized by powerful, continuous blasts of gas and volcanic fragments. These eruptions can propel ash clouds high into the stratosphere, sometimes for hours. Lightning is a common occurrence within these ash clouds. This type of eruption is named after Pliny the Elder, who died during the 79 CE eruption of Mount Vesuvius, an event documented by his nephew, Pliny the Younger.1

Plinian eruptions are a result of gas-rich, viscous magma. The trapped gases explosively expand, shattering the magma and creating a powerful eruption column. This is in contrast to effusive eruptions, which involve the outpouring of less viscous, gas-poor magma.1

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3 Britannica Sources
  1. volcano - Six types of eruptions
  2. volcano - Mount Pinatubo , Philippines, 1991
  3. volcanic eruption

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