Cody Crane provides a description of the expedition of a group of scientists who explored Mount Nyiragongo. Mount Nyiragongo is an extremely active and unstable volcano. Nyiragongo is a stratovolcano; a stratovolcano is a very dangerous and explosive long-lived volcano. A unique property mentioned in the article of Nyiragongo volcano is that it has low silica content (Crane, 2011). Usually stratovolcanoes will have higher level silica content. Silica levels are a determining factor in how big the explosion will be. The greater the amount of silica, the more gas will be trapped, making the eruption more violent. However, the higher the silica, the more viscous the lava. Nyiragongo volcano has low-viscosity lava; therefore, it has an accelerated lava flow. Crane states that the rapidity of the lava flow is a disadvantage for the citizens of Goma because it reduces the evacuation time (Crane, 2011). An important question could be why it was decided to establish a community in such a dangerous place? . In addition to the political inconveniences that area residents are facing, the area surrounding the volcano is rich in minerals. The soil could be great for crops; however, citizens are faced with a give and take situation. Crane points out that the toxic air from the volcano decreases the quality of air, water, and food (Crane, 2011). Additionally, you never know when the next massive eruption might occur. Scientists can try to predict a possible period of time when the risk of an explosion is high; however, at the moment, it is impossible to predict the exact time and date of the next eruption (Crane, 2011). Scientists are working with all the tools at their disposal to gain more information about... middle of paper... the danger factor is extremely fascinating. Being able to acquire samples of the volcano is very important. The samples will help researchers understand the components and behavior of Nyiragongo a little more. Since we don't know when the next eruption will occur, collecting and analyzing information is really critical. Even if the scientist were wearing a protective suit, being this close to lava is extremely dangerous. The fact that a scientist is risking his life to study and analyze the volcano is a great example of how complex and important the information is. The article made me wonder when the next explosion will occur and whether there will be any chance of survival if the volcano erupts at full capacity. The explosion of Mount St. Helens was so enormous that part of the volcano was blown away. I wonder if Nyiragongo will experience similar consequences.