Meet Dr. Ben Andrews, a geologist at the National Museum of Natural History. He studies volcanoes to get a better understanding of how eruptions happen. What causes ash and other materials during violent “pyroclastic” eruptions to spew out the way they do? Explore the physics of explosive eruptions. Reflect on the hazards scientists face in studying active volcanoes. Visit Ben’s volcanology lab to see how he uses his simulator – a giant tank, talcum powder, lasers, and cameras – to model how erupted materials travel. Understand why research on volcanoes is important for our safety.