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Fascination and fear: Why are volcanoes a hot topic?

An eruption in Iceland has captured the world’s attention.

A volcanic eruption in the Reykjanes peninsula of south-west Iceland has captured the world’s attention. But how dangerous are volcanoes, and how much do we know about their activity?

The ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ's Science correspondent Pallab Ghosh explains why Iceland is such a hotbed of volcanic activity and the health risks that volcanoes can pose. Nick Beake, the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ’s Europe correspondent, describes his helicopter ride over the Grindavik volcano. And Dr Kenna Rubin, a volcanologist at the University of Rhode Island, explains the different types of volcanoes you can find all around the world.

We also speak to Anna and Sigrún — two of the more than 4,000 residents of Grindavik who have been evacuated to safety.

Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk
WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6
Presenter: Hannah Gelbart
Producers: William Lee Adams, Chelsea Coates, Benita Barden
Editors: Verity Wilde and Simon Peeks

Available now

15 minutes

Last on

Sat 23 Dec 2023 03:50GMT

Broadcasts

  • Fri 22 Dec 2023 18:50GMT
  • Sat 23 Dec 2023 03:50GMT

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