Question

read the text. scientists have classified volcanic eruptions into a number of types. the largest and most destructive is the plinian eruption. the name plinian comes from pliny the younger, a roman who documented the catastrophic eruption of mount vesuvius in the year 79 ce. the violent blasts of a plinian eruption shoot upward, creating enormous columns of gas and ash. plinian eruptions can produce highly damaging pyroclastic flows. these fast - moving flows of gas, ash, lava, and rocks speed downslope and devastate everything in their path. the eruptions are also known for flinging ash great distances. in 1980, mount st. helens in washington state spewed ash so far that people several states away had to wear protective masks. which authors purpose is suggested by the text? to persuade readers mount st. helens was more dangerous than mount vesuvius to describe the experience of seeing a plinian eruption in person to inform readers about plinian eruptions and their traits

Explanation:

The text provides information about Plinian eruptions, including their origin of name, characteristics like violent blasts, creation of gas - ash columns, production of pyroclastic flows, and ability to fling ash far. It doesn't try to persuade about the danger comparison between two mountains or describe the in - person experience. It simply aims to inform.

Answer:

to inform readers about Plinian eruptions and their traits