Playlist: Supercomputing: The Power of Visualization
Astonishing ways to share scientific data are emerging in the digital age. This program explores the phenomenal growth of supercomputing and its impact on medicine, oceanography, air traffic control, law enforcement, and other fields. Showcasing practical examples of dynamic visualization technology, the video looks at three-dimensional renderings of cities accurate to the square foot, medical imaging capabilities on the cellular level, and instantaneous collaboration between laboratories a hemisphere apart. Commentary by virtual reality pioneer Jaron Lanier and other innovators underscores the need to recognize the human factor in the age of supercomputers. (27 minutes)
Since time began, the earth has been molded and reshaped by floods, fires, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions. People tend to live and survive in areas of catastrophes.
People take risks living near volcanoes or in flood zones. Volcanoes make the area fertile, and geysers can produce electricity for a city. Most volcanoes give warnings before they erupt.
Many rivers from the Apennine Mountains combine to form the Arno River. In 1966, the Arno River flooded Florence. Now a dam, built out of earth with a clay core, helps to prevent flooding.
In 79 A.D. Vesuvius exploded, destroying Pompeii and Herculaneum. The surface was covered with vegetation so the eruption was unexpected. It exploded again in 1944.
Inside the volcano hot gases are emitted through fumaroles, or holes. Scientists use instruments to measure the gases' composition to determine the status of the volcano's activity.
The fertile ground around Mt. Vesuvius drew farmers. Scientists predict an explosion will occur before the next eruption, which will not be as strong due to the shorter dormant period.
The Volcano Surveillance Center in Naples predicts two potential problems with the next eruption of Vesuvius: ash and pyroclastic flows. Vesuvius' destruction of Herculaneum can still be seen.