volcanic eruption

Twenty hikers, nine of them from Singapore, were reported missing Friday after Mount Dukono on Indonesia's eastern Halmahera island erupted, spewing a smoke cloud some 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) into the air, a rescue official told. "Our team is on its way. Lana Saria, head of the government Geology Agency, said the early-morning eruption was accompanied by a "booming sound" and a thick smoke column rising some 10 km from the summit of Mount Dukono in the North Maluku province.

Ancient scrolls found near Herculaneum offer a glimpse into Roman intellectual pursuits. These papyri, carbonized by a volcanic eruption, were once thought unreadable. Modern technology now allows scientists to decipher the hidden writings without damaging the fragile scrolls. This intellectual rescue mission reveals the depth of ancient Roman philosophy and poetry.

An accidental discovery in 1748 unearthed Pompeii, a Roman city preserved by volcanic ash. This find revolutionized archaeology, revealing intact streets and homes. The eruption preserved the city, offering a unique glimpse into ancient Roman urban life and its people. The excavation sparked a cultural shift, influencing art and design across Europe.

Khetolai village in Rajasthan's Jaisalmer district became historically significant due to its unique geological structure, which lacked groundwater. This made the region ideal for India's Pokhran-II nuclear tests in 1998, preventing radioactive contamination. The village now draws visitors interested in India's nuclear history.

Researchers have discovered geological sponges in fractured volcanic rocks beneath the South Atlantic seafloor, capable of storing vast amounts of carbon dioxide over millions of years. These talus breccias absorb excess CO2 from seawater, suggesting Earth's oceans may hold significantly more carbon than previously calculated, impacting global carbon cycle understanding.

Pope Leo XIV marks one year as leader of the Catholic Church on Friday with a visit to southern Italy, returning to his flock after weeks dominated by a clash with Washington. The one-day trip marks the first of several short pastoral visits planned this summer in Italy, and comes a fortnight after a tour of four African nations.

America's UNESCO World Heritage national parks offer unparalleled natural wonders. From Yellowstone's volcanic marvels and the Grand Canyon's immense scale to the Great Smoky Mountains' biodiversity, Yosemite's dramatic cliffs, and the Everglades' unique 'river of grass,' these sites promise unforgettable adventures for every traveler.

The ocean, though partially explored, defies expectations with phenomena like kilometer-long 'ghost tracks' on the seabed and sound waves trapped in SOFAR channels. Methane plumes erupt like underwater explosions, while hydrothermal vents 'breathe' mineral-rich fluids. Unexplained light displays and massive submarine landslides further challenge our understanding of this vast, mysterious realm.

New research suggests Yellowstone's magma may be closer to the surface than previously believed, residing in shallow "magma mush" zones rather than a single deep chamber. While this alters eruption modeling, scientists emphasize there are no signs of an imminent supervolcano eruption, with Yellowstone's alert level remaining normal.