In this io9 interview with Earth Scientist Jim Webster at the American Museum of Natural History in New York, you’ll learn why the technological revolution is dependent on volcanoes. They’re the source of most metals we use in our machines.
Webster also explains how volcanoes can lead to climate change. Best of all, he takes us into his lab, where he shows us how to make lava inside a giant industrial pressure cooker.
Webster is in the department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at AMNH, where he is also the Mineral Deposits Curator. This interview was conducted by Gaby Darbyshire, and directed by Matt Toder. Many thanks to the AMNH. Look for our other videos in the Hardcore Science Interview series, and visit the AMNH to see their latest exhibitions.