When it comes to both the life and climate of our planet, you’d be hard pressed to think of a more important element than carbon. It forms the basis of all life and in carbon dioxide (CO₂) it plays a fundamental role in the variation of Earth’s temperature (think the Greenhouse effect).

Tags: CO2 , Subduction , Island Arc, Climate

Volcanic eruptions are one of the most fascinating phenomena on the planet, capturing the imaginations of some of our greatest writers and philosophers throughout ancient history, and more recently fuelling some of Hollywood’s most ridiculous action movies (Dante’s Peak anyone?). Although volcanic eruptions can indeed be beautiful and spectacular they can also be catastrophic for communities living alongside them.

Tags: Ascension, Volcano , Lava, S.Atlantic, Geochemistry