Link to USGS home page.
USGS HOME
Contact USGS

Facebook Icon Twitter Icon
  • Assess
  • Prepare
  • Forecast
  • |
  • Activity
  • Products
  • Observatories
  • About

Glossary - Lateral Blast

Lateral Blast

A lateral (sideways) explosion with a significant low-angle component that is directed towards an area that can cover as much as 180 degrees. Because they carry rock debris at high speeds, lateral blasts can devastate areas tens to hundreds of square kilometers within a few minutes, and they can destroy manmade structures and kill all living things by abrasion, impact, burial, and heat.


Glossary Terms


A
B
C
D
E

F
G
H
I
K
L
M
O
P

Q
R
S
T
U
V