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

A massive pyroclastic flow suddenly turns towards the hill in its path (at left).

The obstacle forces the flow to rise in a spectacular surge of incandescent ash.

While the flow opens its way to the left, the surge rises one kilometer into the sky.

Further pyroclastic avalanches feed the flow towards the sea.

Tourists observe the flow's advancing front from a helicopter.

Abandoned houses in the foreground give an impression of the flow's considerable size.

After a few minutes, an even bigger pyroclastic flow descends through the Tar River Valley.

The front of this flow reaches the sea at the Tar River delta.

Another big pyroclastic flow uplifts billowing ash clouds.

Spectacular structures shaped by heat and convection in the ash cloud.

Striking contrast between billowing ash and steam coming from the sea entrance.

The end of the world: the dome disappears in a chaos of ash and steam.