Dec 12, 2011

New scientific research has is proving how certain weather affects the timing of natural hazards.  Data taken from seasonal rainfall and snowfall patterns are now being used to predict when to expect the next earthquake or volcanic eruption in some places and how often they may take place.  A case study done in the Himalayan mountains shows that in times when the season is rainy (especially in summer months) fewer earthquakes occur compared to the dry months.  Another case study done in Iceland, shows the opposite.  Summer is the time of greater hazard risk because of the ice caps melting.  Where ice caps sit on top of active volcanoes and then start to melt can trigger volcanic eruptions below.  Katla, a large volcano in Iceland, has been recorded to have lost a great deal of ice on the volcano and is predicted to erupt sooner than later.