Volcanoes occupy a special place in our imagination. Stories of the destruction of the ancient Roman city of Pompeii continue to fascinate, while terrifying visions of exploding fire and molten rock play a key part in our nightmares. Avalanches of hot volcanic gases, ash, and lava bombs, which can descend from steep volcanoes at blistering speeds of up to 700 kilometres per hour, leave trails of destruction and death. This episode delves into volcanic eruptions around the world, the factors that made them so lethal, and the key scientific questions that experts are pursuing to solve the riddles of these fiery destroyers.

Volcanoes occupy a special place in our imagination. Stories of the destruction of the ancient Roman city of Pompeii continue to fascinate, while terrifying visions of exploding fire and molten rock play a key part in our nightmares. Avalanches of hot volcanic gases, ash, and lava bombs, which can descend from steep volcanoes at blistering speeds of up to 700 kilometres per hour, leave trails of destruction and death. This episode delves into volcanic eruptions around the world, the factors that made them so lethal, and the key scientific questions that experts are pursuing to solve the riddles of these fiery destroyers.