Vesuvius' Detached Ash Cloud Surges Caused Deadly Thermal Impact in 79CE.
A new study reveals that the initial wave of hot gas from the volcanic eruption that destroyed Pompeii turned people's brains to glass due to the extreme heat of 550°C. The nearby town of Herculaneum was engulfed in a diluted pyroclastic density current (PDC) that brought instant death and destruction. The event left only a few decimeters of ash on the ground, which may explain why it had never been detected until now. The study authors say their findings may have implications for the modern inhabitants of nearby Naples should Vesuvius erupt again.