Two new studies into the "plumbing systems" that lie under volcanoes could bring scientists closer to understanding plate ruptures and predicting eruptions—both of which are important steps for protecting the public from earthquake and volcanic hazards.

Two new studies into the "plumbing systems" that lie under volcanoes could bring scientists closer to predicting large eruptions.

GEOLOGY posted ahead of print 14 Feb.–2 Mar. is a dynamic collection of papers covering modeling studies of the U.S. New Madrid Seismic Zone; landslide prediction through examination of the Slumgullion landslide, Colorado; investigation of a potential nuclear waste repository site in Finland; understanding river delta formation and long-term evolution with insights from the Mekong River, Vietnam; and an explanation of how drought drove forest decline and dune building in eastern upper Michigan, USA.

Rifting is one of the fundamental geological forces that have shaped our planet. Were it not for the stretching of continents and the oceans that filled those newly created basins, Earth would be a far different place.

Scientists investigate a changing planet now and in the past, with a view toward predicting its future.