Iain Stewart explains how volcanic eruptions in Indonesia caused devastation across the world as well as influenced society.

Iain Stewart asks why Californians are prepared to live with disastrous earthquakes, landslides and firestorms.

A look at how the Incas were able to build a huge and successful empire in some of the most perilous terrain on the planet.

Three-quarters of Japan is covered in hostile mountain peaks which force the huge population onto a few overcrowded strips of coastal plain. This geological curse has affected everything from living space to etiquette and entertainment.