When Mount Pinatubo first began to smoulder two months ago, seismologists began to climb over the mountain and place their recording devices at strategic points. The data they collected was then analysed by a team of scientists from around the world who were able to determine that it had been triggered by an eruption in one of several volcanoes on the island. After a few weeks of investigation, the scientists decided to recommend evacuation of 84,000 people. ; They didn't know it had a habit of exploding with a force twice as great as the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens in Washington -- or that the debris from these eruptions had covered much of what was now Clark Air Base. The warning was timely. The mountain erupted blowing hot ash and pumice 80,000 feet into the air. This marked a turning point in successful volcanic forecasting. U.S. officials, however, believe that the damage at Clark Air Base may force the permanent closure of the base.
When Mount Pinatubo first began to smoulder two months ago, seismologists began to climb over the mountain and place their recording devices at strategic points. The data they collected was then analysed by a team of scientists from around the world who were able to determine that it had been triggered by an eruption in one of several volcanoes on the island. After a few weeks of investigation, the scientists decided to recommend evacuation of 84,000 people. The warning was timely. The mountain erupted blowing hot ash and pumice 80,000 feet into the air. This marked a turning point in successful volcanic forecasting. U.S. officials, however, believe that the damage at Clark Air Base may force the permanent closure of the base.