Earthquakes and Volcanic Eruptions: Protection versus Prediction.

We usually regard our Earth as a symbol of solidity. To us, it is the soil on which we stand firmly with our two legs, the bedrock for our buildings and their reliable foundations. But this solid bedrock is only a thin crust about 100 km thick. The material underneath, in the earth's mantle, reacts plastically, like paste. In places where it reaches the surface, as in volcanoes, it may even become fluid and flow out …

…unable to give at least an earlier or a more exact warning before a disaster. Thus, we have to continue basic research in order to arrive at a better understanding of the mechanism of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. With this better knowledge we can hope to improve ideas and methods for better predictions. However, at present, it seems to me that multidisciplinary approaches to the improvement of all sorts of prevention are even more important.