Final answer:
The order of volcanic eruption types from most destructive to least destructive is: Plinian, Pelean, Strombolian, and Hawaiian. Plinian eruptions are explosive and produce large quantities of ash and gas, while Hawaiian eruptions involve effusive lava flows and are considered least hazardous to humans.
Step-by-step explanation:
When ordering volcanic eruptions by their destructive potential, it is generally recognized that Plinian eruptions are the most destructive due to their violent, explosive nature, producing copious amounts of ash and gas, and often resulting in extensive damage to the surrounding area. Pelean eruptions, known for their pyroclastic flows, are also extremely destructive and come next in the order. Strombolian eruptions tend to be less violent, characterized by ejections of incandescent cinder, lapilli, and lava bombs. The least destructive are the Hawaiian eruptions, typically effusive events creating lava flows that are relatively less hazardous to human structures.
In summary, the order from most to least destructive eruption type is: C (Plinian), A (Pelean), B (Strombolian), D (Hawaiian).