Volcano's Deadly Warning

Anyone can slap together footage of violently erupting volcanoes causing incalculable death and destruction, but NOVA charts a far more fascinating course in its exploration of the intriguing work of one man, a U.S. government geophysicist named Bernard Chouet. By measuring what he called "long period events"--sound waves that emanate from volcanoes as they slowly rouse themselves from dormancy--Chouet was able to accurately predict the day and time of two eruptions, one in Alaska, the other in Mexico (where tens of thousands were evacuated just in time). Not so lucky were the 25,000 who died in Armero, Colombia in 1985, a staggering loss of life that included several international volcanologists dismissive of Chouet's theories. With many countries, including the U.S., possessing active volcanoes (and, yes, the program does include spectacular footage of eruptions), Volcano's Deadly Warning is an inspiring scientific odyssey that suggests humankind may be on the verge of an important breakthrough--which could save countless lives. Highly recommended. Editor's Choice. Aud: H, C, P. (J. Carlson)