Question

review 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 best shows that the authors purpose is to inform readers about plinian eruptions and their traits? the author warns against viewing a plinian eruption without a mask. the author provides facts about plinian eruptions and a definition of pyroclastic flows. the author breaks down the plinian eruption process into steps.

Explanation:

Informing involves presenting facts and definitions. The author gives facts about Plinian eruptions like their destructiveness and what they produce, and defines pyroclastic flows. Warning is a different purpose, and the text doesn't break down the eruption process into steps.

Answer:

The author provides facts about Plinian eruptions and a definition of pyroclastic flows.