volcano

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A volcano has erupted in southern Chile, causing about 150 people to be evacuated from the immediate area.

The Kamchatka Peninsula is home to 28 active volcanoes. Two of them are erupting now. But volcanologists and seismologists tracking their activity can rest easier. They’ve got all the latest monitoring equipment in place to enable them to predict future blow-outs and better protect local residents.

Mount Kelud in East Java has been spewing steam and ash from its crater for weeks while the alert on Mount Anak Krakatau, between the islands of Java and Sumatra, has been raised to the second highest level.

Scientists are analysing the striking sunsets painted by Turner and dozens of other artists to work out the cooling effects of huge volcanic eruptions. By working out how the climate varied naturally in the past they hope to improve the computer models used to simulate global warming. The team, at the National Observatory of Athens, is using the works of old masters to work out the amount of natural pollution spewed into the skies by eruptions such as Mount Krakatoa in 1883.

Unsurprisingly, a new study shows just one obvious outcome to such a tactic - potential worldwide droughts