This article was published in Scientific American’s former blog network and reflects the views of the author, not necessarily those of Scientific American
On supporting science journalism
If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.
A new disaster movie, retelling the fate of the ancient town of Pompeii, will be released soon. The filmmakers spent six years researching the volcanic disaster that destroyed the town to make it as historically accurate as possible - but what about the geology?
I will investigate some movie-mistakes in a series of upcoming posts … questions or contributions are welcome.
Fig.1. Vesuvianite specimen from the Alps - the mineral was described for the first time by Abraham Gottlob Werner in 1795 from the only (at the time) known locality - Mount Vesuvius.