The tidal wave killed 2,000 in New Guinea two years ago. The drought continues for a third year in the southeastern United States, with rainfall amounts 20 inches and more below normal in some areas. A recent study concluded that human activities account for 75 percent of atmospheric warming since 1900. A strong solar flare bringing electromagnetic energy to Earth this week may create mid-latitudinal aurora lights and disrupt radio broadcasts. Research suggests that the depletion of the ozone layer could have a measureable impact on the mutation of plants.
Scientists say that each loss is like a lost rivet holding the environment together.
They are using satellite imagery of surface temperatures and vegetation, topography, and computer models to reconstruct previous lahar flows to enhance their predictions for future flows.