What does LAHAR mean?

lahar

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: A type of volcanic mudflow or debris flow consisting of a mixture of volcanic material, debris, and water that flows down the slopes of a volcano, typically following a river valley.

Pronunciations: US: /lɑːˈhɑr/, UK: /lɑːˈhɑː/

Origin and Usage: The term "lahar" is derived from the Javanese language, meaning volcanic mudflow. It was first used in English in the 1920s to describe the mudflows that occurred during the eruption of Mount Kelud in Java, Indonesia. Lahars are typically associated with explosive volcanic eruptions and can be triggered by heavy rainfall or the melting of snow and ice on a volcanos slopes.

Synonyms: Volcanic mudflow, debris flow, mudslide, mudflow.

Related Words: Lava, ash, magma, pyroclastic, tuff.

Example Sentences:

• During the eruption, lahars flowed down the slopes of the volcano and destroyed several villages.
• The lahars caused by the eruption of Mount Pinatubo in 1991 were some of the most destructive in history.
• The town was evacuated due to the threat of lahars from the nearby volcano.