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  2. Indonesian Megavolcano Provides Rare Peek into Global Warming

Indonesian Megavolcano Provides Rare Peek into Global Warming

By grrlscientist on September 8, 2009.

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Sixty-two-mile-long Lake Toba, seen in the center of this satellite image,
was created by the largest explosive volcanic eruption of the past
100,000 years -- an eruption whose aftermath holds important clues for us
today about rapid climate change, Drew Shindell says.

Image: NASA.

Wow, there are days when I wish I had a television, and today is one of them. Why? Tonight, PBS is showing a really fascinating program; a NOVA show entitled Mystery of the Megavolcano that I really really want to see [it shows tonight; Tuesday, September 8 at 8 pm ET/PT on PBS]. This program discusses the latest data regarding the Indonesian (Sumatra) volcano, Mount Toba, that gave rise to the greatest volcanic eruption to occur on Earth in the last 100,000 years. I've included several video clips for you below the jump (with Indonesian subtitles!!);

Trailer;

Here's an interactive online NOVA/PBS slideshow that gives you some idea of what such an eruption might have looked if we were there to photograph it.

I think this National Geographic program is about this same volcano? (You'll have to tell me. It includes Indonesian subtitles)

Part 1;

Part 2;

Part 3;

Part 4;

Part 5;

Part 6 (sorry for all the commercial ads -- to skip them, advance to 2:33);

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not sure. but if i do, and i link to videos, it is possible that those videos can only be seen in Germany or in the EU, and not in america .. we shall see.

Yes, same volcano. Interestingly, about the size of the largest Yellowstone eruption.

for some reason, it didn't show on tuesday night here in the great pacific northwet. not sure why... i was really looking forward to it.