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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 Â鶹Éç'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 Â鶹Éç’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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