Volcanoes capable of super-eruptions that could be catastrophic for civilizations have short fuses, according to new research conducted at Vanderbilt University.

SAN DIEGO, May 29, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Mountain systems characterized by folding, such as the Teton Range of the Rocky Mountains, have been intensively studied and debated since the 19th Century.

By studying crystals formed in volcanic rock, experts may be able to predict an impending eruption up to a year in advance, researchers from the University of Bristol have discovered.

Oxygen-based life evolved on Earth because of geological events that occurred over 2.5 million years ago, according to Princeton University researchers who published a report this week in the online journal Nature.

Archived data from the Envisat satellite show that the volcanic island of Santorini has recently displayed signs of unrest. Even after the end of its mission, Envisat information continues to be exploited for the long-term monitoring of volcanoes.