Can We Just Throw Our Plastic Garbage Into A Volcano?
Summary
In this episode, volcanologist Dr. Tamsin Mather debunks the idea of using volcanoes for plastic waste disposal, explaining the toxic fumes released. She shares how Iceland successfully harnesses geothermal energy for power and heating. The discussion also covers the physical properties of lava, how close one can safely get to an eruption, and the different temperatures and magma compositions of various volcanoes. Finally, Dr. Mather describes Pele's hair and other volcanic hazards, before vividly recounting the multisensory experience of being near an erupting volcano.Episode description
It’s winter, and the SciFri team is already dreaming of warmer weather. How about a mind vacation to one of the hottest places on earth, an erupting volcano? Tamsin Mather has trekked to volcanoes in Chile, Guatemala, Italy, and beyond to learn their secrets. She joins Host Flora Lichtman to field your burning volcano questions, like what’s the deal with glass shards that look like hairballs?
Guest: Dr. Tamsin Mather is a professor of Earth sciences at the University of Oxford in the UK.
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