Volcanology

Volcanoes are one of the most destructive forces of nature, but they have also created some of the most fertile land found on Earth. For this reason, many people live on the flanks of volcanoes to take advantage of the rich soil, but this also means that those same people are at risk when a volcanic eruption occurs. Today's large eruptions have the added impact of interrupting the modern world's dense air traffic routes.

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Latest articles in Volcanology

Stratospheric Ozone Decreased by Major Volcanic Eruptions

Major volcanic eruptions, in which the emitted sulphur dioxide gas reaches the stratosphere, now contribute to ozone depletion. It wasn't always that way.

Nov 11, 2011 – John Austin

The Climate Effects of Volcanic Eruptions

Volcanic eruptions affect climate on many time scales. To understand the human influence on climate it is necessary to appreciate these natural influences.

Nov 8, 2011 – John Austin

Humans Create More Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide Than Volcanoes Do

A discussion of current data that document the relative amounts of carbon dioxide added to Earth's atmosphere by human activities versus active volcanoes.

Jul 8, 2011 – Wendell Duffield

The Geology of Yucca Mountain

Yucca Mountain, a proposed and controversial site of nuclear waste storage, was created from large volcanic eruptions.

Jun 28, 2011 – Alexandra Matiella Novak

The Geology of Iceland

Iceland is one of the most volcanically active countries on Earth. The geology of Iceland is a clash between geothermal and glacial activity.

May 26, 2011 – Alexandra Matiella Novak

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